Motherhood and Monstrosity in Horror Movies: A New Perspective

Not coincidentally, the writer expresses a personal revelation of the subtle, underlying themes in horror movies and their portrayal of mothers, shedding light on the impact of motherhood.

She reflects on how the genre often demonizes mothers, turning them into the antagonists and villains of the story, citing examples from popular films like ‘The Babadook’ and ‘Ma’.

Lockdown, however, presented a unique perspective as the writer found herself grappling with the challenges of single motherhood, resonating with the struggles of characters like Amelia and Samuel from ‘The Babadook’.

The struggles of raising a neurodivergent child, akin to Samuel in the movie, are highlighted as the writer recounts personal experiences with judgment and isolation in educational settings.

Facing societal pressures and judgment from other parents, the writer delves into the internal conflict of self-acceptance and the temptation to embrace the role of a ‘monster’ in private.

The narrative evolves as the writer emerges from lockdown with a newfound acceptance of imperfection and reaches out to build connections, finding solace in shared experiences with other parents.

Ultimately, the writer reclaims her love for horror movies, advocating for a more nuanced representation of motherhood in media, while reflecting on personal growth and the journey through challenges.