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How To Write A Review For A Horror Movie?

• August 30, 2024

Reviewing horror films requires more than simply summarizing their plots and giving an opinion, either positive or negative. Instead, reviewing this genre requires dissecting its components to assess whether the movie captures the tension, suspense, and terror that defines horror movies. No matter your experience as a critic or a movie fanatic, writing an insightful critical review requires attention to detail, knowledge of the genre, and the ability to express ideas clearly.

This tutorial can assist in crafting an insightful yet captivating review of any horror flick! But in case you need help from a professional writer, see who can write papers for money .

Setting the scene

Establishing the atmosphere for your viewers is the first step in writing a horror movie review. This involves providing some background on the film, such as its name, director, star cast, and release date; also consider whether or not it is an original narrative, a remake of a beloved property, or both; this knowledge can help organize your review while giving readers an understanding of what to expect.

Sharing your initial reactions to a movie can also be helpful. Were you expecting something supernaturally terrifying, psychologically thrilling, or packed with jump scares? Sharing what expectations were made may allow readers to gauge whether or not the film met those criteria.

Analyzing plot and storytelling

The story is at the core of every film review, and when reviewing horror films, it is crucial to examine their narrative arc. Give an accurate summary without giving away too much; pay special attention to main plot points such as antagonist motivations, protagonist journey, conflict dynamics, etc. As great ideas often form the backbone of horror flicks, your review must consider how well their story develops its creepy aspects.

Review how the film strikes a balance between surprise and predictability. Does its narrative maintain suspense or succumb to well-worn horror cliches? A compelling horror movie often defies expectations or adds unexpected twists and surprises, which should help readers gauge its quality as narrative art. Assessing these components can give readers insight into its narrative merit.

Evaluating the atmosphere and cinematography

Horror film audiences value atmosphere just as much as story. A movie’s ability to instill and sustain terror is essential to its impact. Please pay attention to lighting, sound, and cinematography elements that influence its tone, including cramped camera angles, dim lighting, or unsettling soundtracks that add suspense and disturb audiences.

Write about how the movie effectively uses these devices to deliver an unsettling and immersive experience in your review. Ask yourself whether tension was created through compelling scenes rather than cheap jump scares; how was its environment used in creating fear; and if so, was any special consideration given to its atmosphere – as this component can make or break a horror film!

Character development and performances

Every successful horror story hinges on its characters. Dynamic characters can heighten suspense and draw viewers in, whether that means rooting for the final girl to survive or caring about what might come after. Consider each movie’s approach to character development when writing your review; does their portrayal feel cliche or relatable?

Examine the performances of each actor, paying close attention to their depictions of evil intent, desperation, or terror. A horror movie’s success can be enhanced by strong performances, which heighten tension and increase terror, while subpar performances detach viewers from experiencing its full intensity; therefore, providing readers with details regarding which results were more successful could give them valuable context for what to expect in future movies.

Examining the horror elements

Investigating a horror film’s terror factor is central to any evaluation process. What type of horror is shown, and is it frightening enough? Many horror subgenres aim at creating visceral panic, psychological dread, or paranormal discomfort with each sub genre they explore; discuss whether this film successfully does this by maintaining terror from start to finish or whether its impact fades quickly after setup.

Innovation is another essential consideration in horror cinematic reviews. Horror is a highly creative genre, so audiences always search for novel ways to be scared. Does the film rely on tried-and-true concepts like cliches, or does it offer anything new? Commenting on its innovative horror components will ensure readers gain a fuller appreciation of its significance and meaning.

Exploring themes and symbolism

Horror films often explore deeper themes and symbolism beyond superficial jump scares, going beyond simple jump scares. From representing personal anxieties or social tensions to studying human psychology, horror movies often contain deep themes beyond superficial scars. Be mindful when reviewing any film that incorporates such themes. Consider which ideas the story addresses and whether the narrative successfully includes these issues.

Horror films featuring haunted houses may also serve as reflections on loss and grief, using supernatural elements as symbolic representations of inner turmoil for its protagonist. Discussing such topics in your review may broaden the reader’s understanding of the movie while adding depth to it.

Now it’s your turn!

As part of your review, summarize your general impressions about the film to give an overall assessment. Was it an effective horror flick, and would you recommend it to others? Keep your target audience in mind: hardcore horror fans might expect different things than those looking for milder scares. Your conclusion should provide an unambiguous assessment that helps viewers determine whether they want to invest their time watching this particular flick.

Cover photo : inhauscreative by Getty Images Signature via Canva

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Taking a bite out of horror: a guide to reviewing horror films like the pros.

Posted on January 7, 2007 by Monica Valentinelli

Written by Kristin Battestella Additional Writing by Monica Valentinelli

Introduction

Horror-genre lovers (like you and me) can’t resist sharing our love of the macabre. If we tell our friends about a dog of a film, they probably won’t go to see it. How then do we write a film review that finds the happy medium between gushing over the latest hit and bashing that worthless dud?

Whether you’re writing for print or online media, film reviews typically address certain topics like; the grading system, what you liked and didn’t like, who made the film, who stars in it, and whether or not you would recommend the movie to others. Genre reviews should contain these standards, of course, but when it comes to a horror movie, there are several more pieces of essential criteria that can help flesh out your review.

Fear Factor and Gut-Wrenching Emotions

If you don’t discuss fear in a horror review, you probably shouldn’t be a horror reviewer. Most fans want to know what “type” of horror movie they’re going to see, so if the film was unintentionally funny and didn’t scare you one iota, say so. However, if you are a big, macho guy and the movie terrified you into crying like there’s no tomorrow, you should include this in your commentary because the horror genre isn’t only about fear—it’s about the entire emotional gamut. The “best” in horror films don’t just terrify you—they pump your heart and send you on a roller coaster ride. Take the classic film, The Exorcist , for example. Fans, both new and old, never grow out of the terror spawned from Blatty’s book and movie. Society’s fear of the devil (as well as some pretty morally-shocking scenes), is enough to give any horror film the upper hand, but The Exorcist succeeds because we care about the family involved. Most films (unless they are only about the slash-and-gore) are made this way. As a reviewer, tell us about the ups and downs in this movie—we want to know both.

SFX and the Gore Factor

Old-fashioned horror movies have no effects at all, except for tricks of the camera, special lighting, and some heavy makeup. In today’s age, however, if you’re writing about horror films, most movies have some kind of special effects that warrant a paragraph or two in your review. If the director doesn’t use any, like in The Blair Witch Project , if the effects are so low-budget it takes away from the film, or if they are the best thing you’ve seen since the first time you saw The Matrix , by all means say so. Remember, though, that the movie is more than just computer-generated imagery and blue screens. Be a stickler for sets, costumes, and props because realistic blood splatter does matter! So if that axe is obviously made of rubber, mention that because, like most fans, some of those details can take away from an otherwise decent movie.

The amount of gore in a horror film can often sway fans one way or the other. Silly deaths, cliché murders, unrealistic stunts and high body counts–if there is too little (or too much) blood and the sight of it suffocates an otherwise great plot, include that in your review. We love to watch horror films, but since there are so many sub-genres, writing about the hack-and-slash factor is essential.

Plot Twists and Common Myths

To many purists and fans, plot is more important than how amazingly visual a film is. If the plot is silly or has hokey dialogue, a lot of people will turn off their TV or walk out of a theatre, no matter how perfect the special effects are. Pay close attention; see if you can find the back stories for the characters or the plot. Can you figure out why that poltergeist is sticking around? Are you sure you know why zombies are coming back to life? Within the horror genre, there are lots of ghosts, ghouls, vampires, and demonic myths out there. Take vampires for example. There are classic films like Fright Night , and then there are newer films like John Carpenter’s Vampires: Los Muertos . How does the film you’re reviewing compare to other films? Is there a decent vampire creation myth? Or is it so unbelievable it’s “too” inventive?

Most horror movies have a plot twist that leaves you breathless. Whether or not you include “the twist” in your review is totally up to you—sooner or later the surprise ending is going to leak out to the fans. So when you are commenting on it, write about whether or not the plot twist works or if it felt like it was just some cheesy add-on.

Playing the Right Part

You might not think characters, the actors who play them, or how the director presents his film matter as much as some of the other elements we’ve discussed, but maybe, just maybe, they’re the most important. As part of the audience, we need to root for the good guy, we want him to survive at the end. Likewise, we should “love to hate” the bad guys or truly fear the villain and dread the nightmares of his evil deeds. If an actor is miscast or just doesn’t feel right wearing his character’s shoes, a horror film will fall apart. Don’t get sucked in by a famous name; some actors are better in sappy dramas and comedies than in a thriller. Cite the actresses’ credentials, but don’t base her performance on another work. For example, Freddy Krueger actor, Robert Englund, played the benign alien visitor Willie in V , and the quintessential jedi, actor Mark Hamill jumpstarted his voice acting career by lending his talents for the popular villain, The Joker, in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm . One of the worst assumptions you, as a reviewer, can make is to also assume an unknown “name” can’t act. Many directors, like Joss Whedon, prefer casting unknown actors so that we see a familiar character with fresh eyes. Be objective; your readers will appreciate your review more.

International Screams

One thing that many of us reviewers are seeing a lot more of these days, are re-released films produced outside of the U.S. Nightwatch, The Descent, The Grudge, and Dog Soldiers , are just a few films we have the pleasure (or the horror) of seeing here in the states. Cultural influences should not sway your review because horror fans exist all over the world; we’ll continue to see a rise in European and Asian film releases over the next, few years. To get around potential cultural pitfalls, be upfront about the film’s origin and cultural innuendos that you may not understand but someone else might. If the American is woefully out of place in a British film or if the gore in a Japanese original is too much, share that with your readers as your opinion. There are many differences between the world’s cultures, and there’s nothing worse than a film that gets trashed because someone just doesn’t “get it.” One example of this is The Grudge . Did you know that American ghosts are vastly different from wraiths in Asia because they’re based on different religious and cultural beliefs?

From the Director

Anybody with a camera can make a horror movie, but the genius of a tried-and-true director can enhance and redefine the genre. Look for unusual shots and camera angles or carefully choreographed fight sequences. Sometimes lighting techniques are lost, due to modern editing processes, but make a note of what might be lurking in the shadows. How dark does the picture look? Too dark to see who is who? Or is it just dark enough for you to see the big, bad werewolf’s eyes? The director sets the atmosphere and places everything within the setting to his liking, so tell your reader if the film was a job well done.

Yet Another Sequel and the Right Audience

Many horror films are either remakes or sequels to an original and have been very popular, both in Hollywood and abroad. You should definitely comment on where the film is in a series or if it’s a modernized version of classic films like The Omen . Sometimes, a movie you’re watching will make you feel like there might be enough loose ends left for a sequel. Sadly, some sequels are better than the original, and you should definitely mention if what you’re watching is better in comparison. If you can, review both the sequel and the original and reference them both. Compare the pros and cons of each version and form an opinion on which does “the horror” best, and stays true to the film’s intended storyline.

While some fans watch “horror for horror’s sake,” others might enjoy a complex thriller or a serious story based on a psychological threat. Your review should explain the film’s target audience. Remember that not all fans like sex, guts, and rock-n-roll. If the movie is a blood fest, the film will probably not appeal to fans that love scary ghost stories. You can easily figure out which audience the film is for based on some of the elements we’ve discussed.

Reviewing On Location

Where you’ve seen the film is an important aspect of your movie-watching experience. If you are reviewing from the theater, set the scene in your review for your readers. What types of people are sitting in the auditorium? Where there any kids? Did they cry? Did anyone run out screaming or walk out in disgust? One of the ways you can make your review more personal is to write about why you went to see the film. If you went to see the film because you were on a date or simply because you love every one of George Romero’s movies, include that nugget of information as your personal touch.

These days, most films have a three-to-four month turnaround from the theater to DVD. Even then, we’re seeing the release of a regular DVD, the special edition DVD, and the Director’s Cut DVD. If you’re reviewing one of these, be very specific which release you are writing about. Be sure to watch the behind-the-scenes features and extras if there are any. Add your thoughts if you find that the alternate scenes are better (or worse) than what’s in the film. Include your comments about the “making of” highlights or the crafty anecdotes from the director and/or cast in the “commentary” option. Be mindful of packaging, graphics, and price. Is the DVD in a cool set or plain box? Are the menus easy to navigate on your TV or PC? Is the film worth your time and money?

Whenever you’re writing a review, remember that your personal opinion isn’t the only thing we want to read about. Take inspiration from the topics we’ve covered and write down all your thoughts and perceptions on the pros and cons of a film. It’s tough to take a pen or paper to a theater, so practice being an objective observer and make mental notes when you’re in your plush chair. Learning to write good reviews is a process, and many of the “great” reviewers out there got better simply by writing more of them. After you’ve outlined your thoughts, put them in the order you want your reader to read. Will you go through the film point by point? Put all the bad first? Alternate between pros and cons? Stick to your outline and make sure you support what you say with examples. This review is your opportunity to let your voice be heard. Regardless of what your reviewing style is, the key to writing excellent reviews is to sound like you know what you’re talking about by balancing your opinion with your observations in the review. Sometimes, it does help to have someone else read your writing to ensure your words flow well, and you’ve covered the basics of grammar and spelling. If you can’t find someone to read it, see if the media you’re writing for will help you edit it or simply, read it out loud.

Feel like you’re ready to tackle your horror movie review? Grab your notepad and start jotting down notes. We can’t wait to read all about it!

Related posts:

• On Reviewing Fiction
• How to Write Reviews of Role Playing Game Books
• Horror Plot Devices

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How to Write a Great Horror Movie

It's time to scare up one of your most reliable screenplay genres..

'Carrie'

The horror genre is tried and true. It's the one genre every studio and streamer is buying. Why?

Because it's the one that usually delivers the most profitable movies. Horror films come with a huge audience, and the nature of the stories usually keep them pretty cheap.

But are there tricks to writing a horror screenplay that makes the process different?

I don't know about any tricks.... but I can assure you this post is a real treat!

Okay, if that didn't chase you away or horrify you enough to stop reading, let's forge ahead into the unknown...

What's the worst that could happen?

Horror movie definition

What is a horror movie?

A horror movie is a film whose plot is designed to frighten the viewer. The story must cause some sort of existential dread and invoke our very worst fears. Horror films are roller coasters for viewers often climaxing in a shocking finale. They can be cathartic or just plain fun.

What kinds of horror movies are out there?

There are so many different kinds of horror movies in the world. This genre contains a bunch of subgenres. Before you start writing, you should pick one, or mash a few up.

I want to address something that comes up in the comments a lot. I often get people replying "This is fine, but what actually sold with this stuff?"

I know we aren't supposed to read the comments, but the comments section is my horror movie.

I usually don't address this stuff but I want to this time.

Mostly because as a professional writer, horror is where I've found most of my recent work.

Last year I wrote on a horror anthology series that was on Netflix called Don't Watch This . My episode was called Keep Out. I've done extensive work for CryptTV . Keep your eyes out for it.

My point is: I have worked in this space and I want to help.

I'm not calling myself "the authority" but I'm only going to give you the things I've used for my screenplay work.

So let's look at some of the horror sub-genres and see what each entails.

Horror movie sub-genres

Slasher movies usually have killers who use knives or hooks or machetes to hack up their victims. They can be like Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Scream in tone. There can be one or multiple killers. They have a lot in common with the mystery genre and thrillers.

From Godzilla to The Fly , monster movies come in all shapes and sizes. Usually, these monsters terrorize a small community, like in Jaws , but they can also be a global threat, like in Cloverfield . We don't always need a direct scientific explanation for why or how the monster exists, but that might clue everyone in on how you can defeat them.

Supernatural

Ghosts, demons, and Satan all exist within these worlds. Your demons can be like Freddy Kreuger or they can be like the possessor in The Exorcist . They can be spirits like in The Others or a riff like in Ghost . Or just straight-up horrific like in Poltergeist .

Inanimate Objects

A few years ago it felt like every movie had a scary doll in it. Now, with the Chucky reboot and Anabelle , these dolls don't seem like they're going away. But what about something like The Fog or Christine ? They also fall into these types.

Found Footage

I know this is technically a WAY to make a movie, but I wanted to address it last. While these movies are not as popular as they once were, the staples are still the most famous. The Blair Witch, The Visit, and Paranormal Activity changed the way we viewed cinema. You have to write for found footage for it to be found footage.

How to Write a Horror Movie (Free Outline)

Before you sit down to write or outline, I wanted to go over some of the tropes within these kinds of films. These tropes can be things you subvert or lean into depending on the situation. You can learn about them here or see them in action by d ownloading 80 Horror Screenplays for inspiration !

So let's ask the question...

What are some horror screenplay tropes?

Guys, I love a great horror screenplay. They make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and make you shake with excitement.

Common tropes of horror screenplays include:

• Action: People often creep around with little dialogue.
• Suspense: Pacing in horror is a must. Think Hitchcock !
• Jumpscares: Sudden noises or reveals should POP off the page.
• Gore: Gruesome death or torture scenes are commonplace in these movies.
• A memorable villain: Create someone who will haunt dreams for years to come.

Okay, you picked your horror subgenre and found our logline and treatment pages so you did your prep work. Now it's time to jump into the outline and then in your screenwriting software to type some pages.

So what does a horror screenplay outline look like?

The horror screenplay outline:, 1. unraveling the terror - do you have an opening scare that defines the movie.

Do you like Scream ? The opening scene of the screenplay sets the tone for the entire story.

2. The Entry Point - Who will be involved in these terrifying escapades and what are they dealing with?

In a movie like Dawn of the Dead , it's the series of scenes where we meet who will inhabit the mall.

3. Before It Goes to Shit - What’s a normal day look like in this world?

Think about the way the family gets by in Poltergiest before the ghosts show up.

4. The Horror Sets In - What horrific thing sets our characters off on their journey?

Nothing is worse than realizing your daughter is possessed as the characters do in The Exorcist .

5. The Uneasy Path - Everyone is together, what keeps them moving this way?

In something like Godzilla , it's the reason why they deal with the monster at hand? What do they have to gain?

6. Walking Over Broken Glass - How do our heroes deal with the problems as they go?

In the Saw franchise, this is how people try to get out of the sick traps and hunt Jigsaw.

7. Through The Dark Cave - Do you have a B story? Set that story off on its own now too.

B-stories, like the marital tension in Rosemary's Baby , are great scenes to juxtapose against the horror at hand.

8. Reassess the Terror - You’re in the middle. Is there another way to get out alive?

In Shaun of the Dead its when they decide to go to the Winchester.

9. People are Going to Die - Things begin to fall apart, let the body count rise and show how they deal with it.

In The Descent , this is when the people in the group begin to be picked off one by one.

10. The Fall - The worst thing happens, something so bad you don’t think you can get up.

In a horror movie like The Mist , it's when they are forced outside and surrounded by the actual mist.

11. The Hidden Clue - What do your characters discover that they never saw before?

Is there a way out? Something they never realized, like in the Sixth Sense when David realizes he's a ghost.

12. Race To the Final (Girl) - They’re up and running no matter what. They can make it!

This is the series of scenes that carries us toward your thrilling finale. In Alien , it's when Ripley is confronted and has to think fast.

13. The Moment of Relief - Did they make it out alive? Has life returned to normal?

What does their day feel like with the problem corrected? Think about when Jaws finally blows up?

14. Where We Go From Here? - Show us the world in a new light, hint what’s next. Maybe the killer or monster returns for one final scare!

In every horror movie, it feels like there's one last scare. Like in I Still Know What you did Last Summer when it turns out the hook-handed man is under the bed!

Horror Movies and Comedy Movies

One last thing I wanted to address is the addition of humor to your screenplay.

So many horror movies use comedy to help bring levity to dark things. Sure, it doesn't happen all the time, but comedy helps ease people into scenes., If you're laughing, you might be more susceptible to a jump scare or a misdirect.

You can be as funny as Shaun of the Dead , or use the deadpan humor of The Dead Don't Die.

Even titles as unsettling as Midsommar contain humor that helps the audience engage.

So consider adding humor to your pages to keep them turning.

Sam Raimi, one of the best to do it, uses comedy in all his horror films.

And there you have it! The essential ingredients for crafting a horror movie that will send chills down your audience's spines.

Remember, the most effective horror isn't just about jump scares and gore—it's about delving into the darkness within, tapping into our deepest fears, and leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

So go forth, embrace the macabre, and let your imagination run wild. The world of horror awaits your unique vision.

Happy writing!

• How to Write a Thrilling Horror, from 'Silence of the Lambs' Screenwriter and More ›
• How to Write a Slasher Movie ›
• How to write a horror short screenplay | by Lance Eliot Adams ... ›
• The Horror Structure Paradigm: A Guide to Writing a Horror ... ›
• How TF does one write a horror film? : r/Screenwriting ›

Editor Kelly Lyon, ACE, used Adobe Creative Cloud tools on her two 2024 Emmy nominated projects

When kelly lyon, ace discovered she had received two emmy nominations for outstanding picture editing for a variety special — one for "john mulaney presents: everybody's in l.a." and the other for “tig notaro: hello again” — she was over the moon..

This post was written by Michelle Gallina and originally appeared on the Adobe blog on August 21, 2024.

Both comedy-special projects presented their own unique challenges, and Kelly worked tirelessly to bring these to life.

John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in L.A." is a live talk show that aired during the Netflix Is A Joke Festival. In six installments, host John Mulaney explores Los Angeles during a week when pretty much every funny person is in town. Similarly, “Tig Notaro: Hello Again” highlights Tig Notaro’s deadpan humor and personal storytelling.

As an editor and mom, Kelly wears many hats both professionally and personally. We sat down with Kelly to hear more about her and her workflow on both projects, which were edited using Adobe Creative Cloud .

Read below for more details on her journey as a filmmaker, and you can check out her full Premiere Pro timeline for both projects here .

Also, stream "John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in L.A." on Netflix and “Tig Notaro: Hello Again” on Amazon Prime Video .

How and where did you first learn to edit?

My high school in Farmington Hills, MI had a public access TV station. My senior year, I took an independent study at the station and taught myself to edit on the school's Media 100 editing system. I created a senior class video yearbook and completely fell in love with the process. My high school teacher, Mr. Cobb, encouraged me to pursue it. In his words, "There are not enough female editors in Hollywood. You should go out there and give 'em hell!"

How do you begin a project/set up your workspace?

I use different set up strategies, depending on the project. For "John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in L.A.," all of the sketches I cut were improvised or unscripted. Even the "Oh Hello" sketch, which had a scripted narrative arc, still had over 6.5 hours of John Mulaney and Nick Kroll improvising as their beloved “Kroll Show” characters, Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland. Before I dove in, I had my assistant editor, Ky Kenyon, create a stringout of all of the dailies. Then I had Adobe Premiere Pro transcribe all of the footage so I could easily search for soundbytes later, using the Text window. Ky then broke down the dailies into string outs by location. This helped me narrow down the potential options for each segment of the sketch and not get too overwhelmed by the mountain of hilarious moments Mulaney and Kroll generated.

For "Tig Notaro: Hello Again ," they filmed her set twice. I had my assistant editor, Ryan Nunnerley, create multicam clips for each show. I did a line cut of Tig's preferred performance, and Ryan did a line cut of the other performance. I also had Ryan create a stringout of clean audience reaction sounds, like big laughs, laughs with claps, cheers, shocked sounds, etc. It's very helpful to have this bank of authentic audience sounds to use to cover transitions when I'm switching between shows.

Tell us about a favorite scene or moment from this project and why it stands out to you.

For "John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in LA," I have been a fan of Mulaney and Kroll's "Oh Hello" characters for years. I was so incredibly excited for the opportunity to view the raw footage and craft the narrative. As a fan, I was also nervous about doing these characters justice. I always put a green marker on my selects stringout anytime I laugh out loud at dailies. This helps me remember which jokes hit on the first viewing after I've seen them so many times. My first pass of these dailies had so many green markers, I really didn't know how I would choose!

I almost missed out on cutting Tig's special entirely. The executive producer, Ally Engelberg, at Above Average had cold emailed me, and it went to my spam box. If my son's dentist hadn't asked me to check my spam for a form to fill out, I might have missed out on the opportunity to collaborate with one of my favorite comedians of all time!

Image Source: Netflix.

What were some specific post-production challenges you faced that were unique to your project? How did you go about solving them?

Mulaney never approaches a project in the expected or conventional way. When cutting the pre-taped sketches, John didn’t want them to feel polished or slick like the SNL pre-tapes we crafted together 12 years ago. Instead, we paced the pieces a little more slowly and favored surprising moments over hard jokes. Many of the pre-tapes were unscripted and required me and my colleagues to build a cohesive and funny narrative in the edit. We were not doing Mulaney’s version of “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” We were creating a new tone for the talk show space.

Tig is such a talented comedian known for her iconic patience on stage. I wanted to make sure the pacing of my edits complimented her unique style, so I tried to let her performance play as long as possible before cutting. The biggest challenge cutting this special was figuring out the ending. Tig's live show ended with her playing piano and singing along to Adele's “Hello”, which played in the background. Unfortunately, we were not able to license Adele's song for the filmed special. I had to work closely with Tig and her wife/Emmy nominated director, Stephanie Allynne, to help the piano sequence land without Adele's track to back her up.

Image Source: Amazon Studios.

What Adobe tools did you use on this project and why did you originally choose them? Were there any other third-party tools that helped enhance your workflow?

For both projects, Premiere Pro's transcription tool ( Speech to Text ) and text window were incredibly powerful. Once Tig's two performances were transcribed, I could easily search for a joke. From there, I could quickly A/B the options and make sure the strongest version of each joke landed in my final cut. When Tig, the director, Stephanie Allynn, and I were reviewing options, they were impressed at how quickly I could pull up anything they wanted to see across three hours of performances.

For "John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in LA," my colleagues, Sean and Ryan McIlraith, and I all collaborated remotely. We used Jump Desktop, Premiere Pro and Evercast to collaborate with the writers, producers, and with each other. The turnaround is always quick with live TV. After the first episode aired on May 3rd, 2024, John Mulaney wanted to tighten up all of the pre-tapes to give more airtime to the live guests and phone calls. We all raced to tighten our cuts before the subsequent five episodes. Coming from a background at “SNL,” we were all used to last minute changes and were able to deliver on time (even if just hours or minutes before going live).

Do you use Frame.io as part of your workflow? If so, how do you use it?

I LOVE Frame.io . For both specials, we used Frame.io to share and review cuts. Collaborators really liked being able to leave comments on the video timeline, so I would always know exactly what changes they wanted and where.

We also used Frame.io to post dailies for "John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in LA". The writers and producers could review the largely improvised footage, flag selects and leave notes for us right in Frame.io.

If you could share one tip about Premiere Pro, what would it be?

My best advice is to customize your keyboard shortcuts because it makes you a much faster editor. For multicam specials, I have each number key assigned to a camera angle. So, as I'm working on the edit, I can switch cameras with a single keyboard stroke rather than having to mouse over and double click. It is a huge time saver. I also highly recommend mapping the clip enable option to your keyboard. I use it all the time to turn clips on and off to compare options.

Who is your creative inspiration and why?

I'm incredibly inspired by my assistant editors. They remind me to keep striving with that initial fire, creativity, and energy that I began my career with. I love to see how far my former AEs can go in their careers. My former assistant editor from “Portlandia,” Ali Greer, went on to win the Emmy for Outstanding Picture Editing for a comedy for her work on “Barry”, my former assistant editor Megan Mancini is now editing for FX's “The Bear ,” and my former assistant from SNL, Sean McIlraith, is now a colleague and nominated alongside me for our work on "Everybody's In L.A." My current assistant editors, Josh DePew, Ryan Nunnerely, and Ky Kenyon have so much talent, promise and technical knowledge. I learn so much from our collaborations.

What’s the toughest thing you’ve had to face in your career and how did you overcome it? What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers or content creators?

When I decided to leave NYC and move to Portland, OR, I figured my career would be over. Thankfully, I had built strong relationships with trusted collaborators who have continued to hire me, even if that meant a remote workflow (long before COVID, Evercast, and Zoom).

When I became a mother to a child with special needs, once again, I assumed my career was over. Having a child that requires more of my time and attention, means I must set boundaries with my collaborators and ask for accommodations (like taking time off during normal work hours for his appointments and making up the time when it is convenient for me). I was amazed at how accommodating most productions can be. Now, for the first time in my career, I'm double Emmy-nominated, all while making sure to put the needs of my family first. You have to do the work, and you have to be excellent and efficient. However, how and when you get the work done can be up to you, as long as you communicate your needs clearly and the production is on board.

Share a photo of where you work. What’s your favorite thing about your workspace and why?

I love the natural light, and of course, lots of plants! At least I can pretend I'm in nature instead of staring at a computer all day.

Image Source: Emmy-nominated editor, Kelly Lyon, ACE

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How to Write a Movie Review With Our Template Based Example

Did you know that a lot of people around the world read reviews before watching a movie? Yes, it’s true. A Statista survey was taken out last September in the United States which shows that 12 percent of moviegoers watch reviews before watching a movie while about 2 percent do it rarely.

However, a good movie review is not just about to rate the movie but provides explicit information from different angles. Reviewers must understand how to write a movie review to write an effective one.

Table of Contents

What Is A Movie Review?

A movie review is when someone gives their thoughts on a film, pointing out what’s good and what’s not so good, and how it all comes together. 

They look at things like the story, the acting, how it’s directed, how it looks on camera, the dialogue, the themes, and if it’s entertaining. These reviews can help you decide if a movie is worth watching.

Why Students Have To Write A Movie Review?

Learning how to write a movie review is not just for film reviewers or movie critics. Many Students might have to write film reviews for several reasons, such as:

Academic Assignments

Writing a movie review can be part of student coursework. However, many top teaching universities indulge students in such writing to develop critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills among them. It helps them apply theoretical knowledge learned in classes to practical evaluation.

Extracurricular Activities

Writing reviews might be part of journalism, media studies, or film club activities, allowing students to express their opinions, share insights, and discuss films.

Developing Analytical Skills

Analyzing a movie requires students to dissect various aspects of filmmaking, enhancing their ability to assess and critique artistic works critically. Having such skills could help them write an analytical essay well when needed.

How To Write A Movie Review: Helpful Tips

Whether you are a student, movie critic or movie lover, you have to follow some steps to write a movie review in a clear and persuasive way. Whether you are a beginner or an expert writer, these tips will help you write a compelling review that shines out from others.

Choose A Movie To review

If you are going to review a movie, the first thing you need to do is pick a movie.  It is recommended to choose a movie as per your interest. This could be a crime-based sci-fi, a psychopath movie, or even an adventure movie.

Watch The Film Mindfully

To learn how to write a good movie review, you have to watch the movie with focus. Remember to pay close attention while watching and note down the essential elements like plot development, acting performance, cinematography, and other aspects.

Write Down Special Notes

Note down the key elements, moments, observations, and impressions on a notebook, so you can’t forget them. Later on, these notes will help you to start writing a film review.

Provide Context

Now it’s time to officially know how to start a movie review. Begin with writing an introduction for your film review. However, keep in mind that the introduction of movie analysis is different from other types of writing.

It will include the title of the movie, the director’s name, genre, and release date. After that a concise summary of the movies without revealing major spoilers.

Analyzing The Elements Of The Film

Now it’s time to analyze the key elements from the movie. Evaluate the director’s vision, screenplay, dialogues, and camera work. Furthermore, do your best to analyze the performances of the actors and assess whether the movie is well-edited or not.

To make a deeper connection, talk about the themes, messages conveyed, and overall impression about what works well and what doesn’t. By integrating these elements, you can better understand how to write a movie review.

Express Your Opinion

Well, opinion is the key to a successful movie analysis. A reader will more likely watch the movies when your personal opinion is in the review. Remember to express your thoughts and opinions clearly and persuasively.

By any chance, if you don’t have an idea about opinion writing, get help from opinion writing examples and add your opinion effectively in the movie analysis.

Watch Movie At Least 2 Times

Richard Linklater , a famous American movie director quoted that “It’s hard to see a film one time and really “get it,” and write fully and intelligently about it. That’s a review. That’s not film criticism.”

According to his statement it is clear that to understand how to write a movie review, you need to watch it at atleast 2 times to analyze every angle.

Movie Review Template

You must have noticed that writing a film review is far more different from other kinds of writing like essay writing, paper writing, or research writing. No need to puzzle, as we are here to help you out with a compelling, concise, and easy-to-attempt template for a movie review.

All outlines are clearly mentioned in the above movie review template. You just need to pick a movie and fill the template with relevant information.

Movie Review Examples

Providing examples is the best technique to clear your doubts related to how to write a movie review. In the below section, we have compiled two short and easy examples based on the above-given template to make your concept clearer. Let’s start with the example 1:

Movie Summary Example 1

Title of the Movie: Inception

Director: Christopher Nolan

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy

Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller

Release Date: July 16, 2010

Plot Summary

“Inception” follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled thief who steals secrets from within the subconscious during the dream state. He is offered a chance to have his criminal history erased in exchange for planting an idea into a target’s subconscious. This “inception” mission takes Cobb and his team through a series of complex dream worlds.

Analysis Of The Main Key Point

Direction: The direction of Christopher Nolan in this movie is just mind-blowing and masterful. The way he combines complex storytelling with groundbreaking visual effects is just exceptional. His ability to add multiple layers of dreams into a coherent narrative is respectable.

Script: There is a strong sense of character development and a gripping plot in the screenplay, which is intelligent and thought-provoking. Furthermore, the dialogues were very sharp and effective and contributed to the depth of the story.

Acting: Every cast of the movie delivers a strong performance. Leonardo DiCaprio brings emotional depth to Cobb’s troubled character. Besides this, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy also stand out with their charismatic roles.

Cinematography: The cinematography by Wally Pfister is visually stunning, especially the dream sequences that defy the laws of physics. As a result of the smooth integration of visual effects, the film takes on a surreal quality.

Music and Sound: The sounds by Hans Zimmer enhance the suspense and complement the film’s tone perfectly.

Editing: The editing is tight and well-paced by professional editors to keep the viewer engaged through the film’s complex structure. The transitions between different dream levels are smooth and effective.

Themes and Messages

“Inception” studies the themes of reality, dreams, and the subconscious. It questions the nature of reality and the power of the mind, which leaves the audience entertaining.

Overall Impression

“Inception” is a brilliant and innovative film that combines a convincing narrative with mind-blowing visuals and strong performances. It challenges the audience intellectually and, at the same time, provides an exciting cinematic experience. Highly recommended for fans of sci-fi and psychological thrillers.

8.8 out of 10 or (⭐⭐⭐⭐✰)

Example of Movie Review Summary 2

Title of the Movie: Lady Bird

Director: Greta Gerwig

Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet, Lucas Hedges

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Release Date: November 3, 2017

Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) is a senior in high school in Sacramento, California. The film shows her rough relationship with her mother (Laurie Metcalf), her desire to attend college on the East Coast, and her journey of self-discovery.

Direction: Greta Gerwig’s direction is sensitive and fine which catches the spirit of youth with authenticity and warmth. Her personal touch is noticeable throughout the film.

Script: The screenplay is very sharp and heartfelt throughout the film. Furthermore, the dialogue feels natural and genuine. The characters are well-rounded and relatable, making their experiences interlink with the audience.

Acting: Saoirse Ronan’s acting in the movie is as great as Lady Bird. She shows feelings of being both sensitive and brave. Laurie Metcalf plays the role of her mom who is both complicated and loving. Timothée Chalamet and Lucas Hedges play smaller roles but act well.

Cinematography: Sam Levy’s cinematography beautifully captures the suburban scenery of Sacramento. He uses close-up shots that focus on the characters, which helps to tell the story effectively.

Music and Sound: The soundtrack includes songs that match the right time-period. Also, an original score by Jon Brion matches the film’s nostalgic and emotional feel.

Editing: The editing by Nick Houy is completely smooth and in narrative flow. Undoubtedly, he effectively balanced the film’s comedic and dramatic elements.

“Lady Bird” movie clearly shows the themes of identity, family, and the transition from youth to adulthood. It highlights the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the search for self-acceptance.

No doubt, “Lady Bird ” is a touching and beautiful movie for the upcoming ages. Greta Gerwig’s authentic storytelling tactics perfectly combined with outstanding performances. And for that reason, this movie left a heartfelt and relatable experience for the audience. Overall, It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates genuine and emotionally rich narratives.

7.4 out of 10 (⭐⭐⭐✰✰)

Common Mistakes To Avoid In Movie Review Writing

Writing an effective movie review demands a complete attention to detail and an exact approach. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• A common mistake that most review writers make while reviewing is that they exploit the main spoiler in plot summary.
• Another mistake is writing a review without a clear organization or structure.
• Only focusing on personal preferences and neglecting a fair assessment.
• Ignoring elements like direction, cinematography, sound, and editing.
• The most major common is not considering who the review is for.
• A shift between formal and informal tones or inconsistent writing styles can make the reviewing experience bad.
• Make grammatical errors and typos to distract the reader from your review. To tackle this mistake, you can utilize free grammar and punctuation checker tools to make your review go smoothly.

When you avoid these mistakes, you will likely have an idea about how to write a good movie review in a more insightful, engaging, and professional way.

The Author’s Top Recommended Movies To Review

Now that you have learned every aspect of how to start a movie review, it’s time to write your first one. Below are some top movies that the author has recently watched and wants students, critics and movie lovers to write reviews about them. You can choose one according to your interests.

• Joker (2019): A psychopath, thriller and crime based movie
• under paris (2024): Horror, action mystery
• Unfrosted (2024): Comedy/ Drama
• After everything (2023): A romance/ thriller movie
• The Nest 2020: A thriller/ drama movie
• The Guilty (2021): Triller and chrome
• Uncharted (2022): Action + Adventure Movie
• Return to sender (2015): A psychological thriller and action movie
• Spaceman (2024): Sci-fi + adventurous
• The Green Mile (1999): Crime/Fantasy Movie

Before going to wind up, we recommend you to watch these movies and write a compelling movie review on your own. In case anything remains unresolved, feel free to contact our creative writing helper and let them help you in writing a movie review.

Final Thoughts

Overall to understand how to write a movie review all you need is a template for a movie review, some helpful tips and some movie review examples. 

Surprisingly, we cover all of these factors to help you write an effective review. Just follow the tips, and you’ll be able to turn your ideas and observations into reviews that people can’t put down.

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How to Write a Movie Review

Last Updated: August 11, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Marissa Levis . Marissa Levis is an English Teacher in the Morris County Vocational School District. She previously worked as an English director at a tutoring center that caters to students in elementary and middle school. She is an expert in creating a curriculum that helps students advance their skills in secondary-level English, focusing on MLA formatting, reading comprehension, writing skills, editing and proofreading, literary analysis, standardized test preparation, and journalism topics. Marissa received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,653,768 times.

Whether a movie is a rotten tomato or a brilliant work of art, if people are watching it, it's worth critiquing. A decent movie review should entertain, persuade and inform, providing an original opinion without giving away too much of the plot. A great movie review can be a work of art in its own right. Read on to learn how to analyze a movie like a professional film critic, come up with an interesting thesis, and write a review as entertaining as your source material.

Sample Movie Reviews

Writing an Intro for a Movie Review

• Comparison to Relevant Event or Movie: "Every day, our leaders, politicians, and pundits call for "revenge"– against terrorist groups, against international rivals, against other political parties. But few of them understand the cold, destructive, and ultimately hollow thrill of revenge as well as the characters of Blue Ruin. "
• Review in a nutshell: "Despite a compelling lead performance by Tom Hanks and a great soundtrack, Forrest Gump never gets out of the shadow of its weak plot and questionable premise."
• Context or Background Information: " Boyhood might be the first movie made where knowing how it was produced–slowly, over 12 years, with the same actors–is just as crucial as the movie itself."

• Using stars, a score out of 10 or 100, or the simple thumbs-up and thumbs-down is a quick way to give your thoughts. You then write about why you chose that rating.
• Great Movie: ABC is the rare movie that succeeds on almost every level, where each character, scene, costume, and joke firing on all cylinders to make a film worth repeated viewings."
• Bad Movie: "It doesn't matter how much you enjoy kung-fu and karate films: with 47 Ronin, you're better off saving your money, your popcorn, and time."
• Okay Movie: "I loved the wildly uneven Interstellar far more than I should have, but that doesn't mean it is perfect. Ultimately, the utter awe and spectacle of space swept me through the admittedly heavy-handed plotting and dialogue."

• Great: "Michael B. Jordan and Octavia Spencer's chemistry would carry Fruitvale Station even if the script wasn't as good. The mid-movie prison scene in particular, where the camera never leaves their faces, shows how much they can convey with nothing but their eyelids, the flashing tension of neck muscles, and a barely cracking voice."
• Bad: " Jurassic World's biggest flaw, a complete lack of relatable female characters, is only further underscored by a laughably unrealistic shot of our heroine running away from a dinosaur – in heels."
• Okay: "At the end of the day, Snowpiercer can't decide what kind of movie it wants to be. The attention to detail in fight scenes, where every weapon, lightbulb, and slick patch of ground is accounted for, doesn't translate to an ending that seems powerful but ultimately says little of substance."

• Does the film reflect on a current event or contemporary issue? It could be the director's way of engaging in a bigger conversation. Look for ways to relate the content of the film to the "real" world.
• Does the film seem to have a message, or does it attempt to elicit a specific response or emotion from the audience? You could discuss whether or not it achieves its own goals.
• Does the film connect with you on a personal level? You could write a review stemming from your own feelings and weave in some personal stories to make it interesting for your readers.

Composing Your Review

• When you name characters in your plot summary, list the actors' names directly afterward in parenthesis.
• Find a place to mention the director's name and the full movie title.
• If you feel you must discuss information that might "spoil" things for readers, warn them first.

• Cinematography: " Her is a world drenched in color, using bright, soft reds and oranges alongside calming whites and grays that both build, and slowly strip away, the feelings of love between the protagonists. Every frame feels like a painting worth sitting in."
• Tone: "Despite the insane loneliness and high stakes of being stuck alone on Mars, The Martian's witty script keeps humor and excitement alive in every scene. Space may be dangerous and scary, but the joy of scientific discovery is intoxicating."
• Music and Sound: " No Country For Old Men's bold decision to skip music entirely pays off in spades. The eerie silence of the desert, punctuated by the brief spells of violent, up-close-and-personal sound effects of hunter and hunted, keeps you constantly on the edge of your seat."
• Acting: "While he's fantastic whenever he's on the move, using his cool stoicism to counteract the rampaging bus, Keanu Reeves can't quite match his costar in the quiet moments of Speed, which falter under his expressionless gaze."

• Keep your writing clear and easy to understand. Don't use too much technical filmmaking jargon, and make your language crisp and accessible.
• Present both the facts and your opinion. For example, you might state something such as, "The Baroque background music was a jarring contrast to the 20th century setting." This is a lot more informative then simply saying, "The music was a strange choice for the movie."

• Great: "In the end, even the characters of Blue Ruin know how pointless their feud is. But revenge, much like every taut minute of this thriller, is far too addictive to give up until the bitter end.""
• Bad: "Much like the oft-mentioned "box of chocolates", Forest Gump has a couple of good little morsels. But most of the scenes, too sweet by half, should have been in the trash long before this movie was put out."
• Okay: "Without the novel, even revolutionary concept, Boyhood may not be a great movie. It might not even be "good.” But the power the film finds in the beauty of passing time and little, inconsequential moments – moments that could only be captured over 12 years of shooting – make Linklater's latest an essential film for anyone interested in the art of film."

Polishing Your Piece

• Ask yourself whether your review stayed true to your thesis. Did your conclusion tie back in with the initial ideas you proposed?
• Decide whether your review contains enough details about the movie. You may need to go back and add more description here and there to give readers a better sense of what the movie's about.
• Decide whether your review is interesting enough as a stand-alone piece of writing. Did you contribute something original to this discussion? What will readers gain from reading your review that they couldn't from simply watching the movie?

Studying Your Source Material

• The title of the film, and the year it came out.
• The director's name.
• The names of the lead actors.

• Make a note every time something sticks out to you, whether it's good or bad. This could be costuming, makeup, set design, music, etc. Think about how this detail relates to the rest of the movie and what it means in the context of your review.
• Take note of patterns you begin to notice as the movie unfolds.
• Use the pause button frequently so you make sure not to miss anything, and rewind as necessary.

• Direction: Consider the director and how he or she choose to portray/explain the events in the story. If the movie was slow, or didn't include things you thought were necessary, you can attribute this to the director. If you've seen other movies directed by the same person, compare them and determine which you like the most.
• Cinematography: What techniques were used to film the movie? What setting and background elements helped to create a certain tone?
• Writing: Evaluate the script, including dialogue and characterization. Did you feel like the plot was inventive and unpredictable or boring and weak? Did the characters' words seem credible to you?
• Editing: Was the movie choppy or did it flow smoothly from scene to scene? Did they incorporate a montage to help build the story? And was this obstructive to the narrative or did it help it? Did they use long cuts to help accentuate an actor's acting ability or many reaction shots to show a group's reaction to an event or dialogue? If visual effects were used were the plates well-chosen and were the composited effects part of a seamless experience? (Whether the effects looked realistic or not is not the jurisdiction of an editor, however, they do choose the footage to be sent off to the compositors, so this could still affect the film.)
• Costume design: Did the clothing choices fit the style of the movie? Did they contribute to the overall tone, rather than digressing from it?
• Set design: Consider how the setting of the film influenced its other elements. Did it add or subtract from the experience for you? If the movie was filmed in a real place, was this location well-chosen?
• Score or soundtrack: Did it work with the scenes? Was it over/under-used? Was it suspenseful? Amusing? Irritating? A soundtrack can make or break a movie, especially if the songs have a particular message or meaning to them.

Expert Q&A

• If you don't like the movie, don't be abusive and mean. If possible, avoid watching the movies that you would surely hate. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Understand that just because the movie isn't to your taste, that doesn't mean you should give it a bad review. A good reviewer helps people find movie's they will like. Since you don't have the same taste in movies as everyone else, you need to be able to tell people if they will enjoy the movie, even if you didn't. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Structure is very important; try categorizing the different parts of the film and commenting on each of those individually. Deciding how good each thing is will help you come to a more accurate conclusion. For example, things like acting, special effects, cinematography, think about how good each of those are. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing, check out our in-depth interview with Marissa Levis .

• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_film/terminology_and_starting_prompts.html
• ↑ https://www.spiritofbaraka.com/how-write-a-movie-review
• ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/9-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/
• ↑ https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/writing-help/top-tips-for-writing-a-review
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/summary-using-it-wisely/
• ↑ https://twp.duke.edu/sites/twp.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/film-review-1.original.pdf
• ↑ https://www.dailywritingtips.com/7-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_film/film_writing_sample_analysis.html
• ↑ https://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/onnyx.bei/dual-credit/movie-review-writing-guide
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-movie-review/
• ↑ https://gustavus.edu/writingcenter/handoutdocs/editing_proofreading.php
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://edusson.com/blog/how-to-write-movie-review

About This Article

To write a movie review, start with a compelling fact or opinion to hook your readers, like "Despite a great performance by Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump never overcomes its weak plot." Then, elaborate on your opinion of the movie right off the bat so readers know where you stand. Once your opinion is clear, provide examples from the movie that prove your point, like specific scenes, dialogue, songs, or camera shots. To learn how to study a film closely before you write a review, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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The Horror Spec: How to Write a Horror Movie

October 3, 2018.

Horror movies are big business in Hollywood — with films like Get Out and A Quiet Place not only topping the box office but garnering critical acclaim, the industry is looking for the next hot horror spec. If you’re thinking about delving into the dark corners of the genre, here are 10 tips to help make your script successful and, above all else, scary (be warned, there are spoilers below).

How to Pick a Subgenre of Horror Movies

Before you start, it’s important to know exactly what kind of movie you are writing. Is it a monster movie like A Quiet Place ? A slasher film like Friday the 13th ? A supernatural thriller like Mama ? A horror-comedy like Shaun of the Dead ? Here’s a handy list to help you decide on the subgenre that fits your story best.

Making a Low-Budget Horror Film

Producers and studios love horror movies because you can make them for little money — many low-budget horror movies have gone on to make millions at the box office. Paranormal Activity , for example, was made on a budget of $15,000. The film went on to gross over $100 million in the United States alone. For Get Out , the budget was $4.5 million and at the box office, it earned $250 million.

Keep your script low-budget by thinking about ways to cut costs as you write it. If your film requires say, a monster to destroy an entire city like in Godzilla , it may be difficult to get a producer interested.

Put a New Spin on an Old Concept

Horror is a genre with tropes we see again and again: The band of survivors who come together after the apocalypse, the creepy kid who may or may not be possessed or demonic, the toy that comes to life and devastates the family. It’s okay to use these tropes, but think about new ways you can tell the story. For example, The Lost Boys was a new spin on vampire mythology, with vampires who were super cool like rock stars. Warm Bodies subverted the zombie mythology by making it a romantic comedy. Use well-established tropes, but give audiences something they’ve never seen before.

Use Existing Intellectual Property

There are plenty of well-known characters and stories in the horror universe that are public domain. For example, most of horror writer H.P. Lovecraft’s stories are in the public domain, as are stories by Edgar Allan Poe. An internet search will give you a list of preexisting intellectual property you can use (just don’t forget the advice about subverting old tropes, as these stories have usually been used countless times before).

Make Your Horror Movie Relatable

Hollywood loves stories about characters with whom the audience can relate; most haunted house movies are about families trying to protect each other from evil forces (think Insidious , The Conjuring and The Amityville Horror ) and slasher films often show teenagers who are just trying to have a good time ( Halloween , for example, and the upcoming Hell Fest ).

Making your characters relatable means there will be a wide audience for your story. If you write a horror movie about a billionaire or a supermodel, it may be difficult for audiences to relate to and sympathize with the characters’ experiences.

Horror Movie Character Development

The best horror movies have characters we root for and care about. There’s nothing worse than watching a movie with one-dimensional characters that get picked off one by one and we don’t care because they exist purely for the purpose of being killed. Take the time to tell us about your characters; give us reasons to care about them. An American Werewolf in London is a great example of a film with likable characters that audiences care about, which makes the movie an emotional journey as well as a great scarefest.

Open With a Bang

Rather than going straight to character set up, use a scary set piece to suck in the audience. Halloween opens with a brutal murder, A Nightmare on Elm Street starts with Freddy Krueger sharpening his knife glove, and The Conjuring opens with the terrifying story of Annabelle, the possessed doll. Opening with a scary scene or set piece establishes the tone for the rest of your story; if the horror doesn’t come until much later, those reading your screenplay might question whether it is really a horror script.

Give People Something to Talk About

When people talk about horror movies, they usually talk about a scene that scared the hell out of them. You should aim to have at least two or three set pieces in your script that audiences will talk about long after your film is over. Try to make your set piece something nobody has ever seen before; it’s hard to talk about The Shining without immediately thinking of the woman in the bathtub or The Exorcist without remembering the foul obscenities and lewd acts of a nice young girl.

Subvert Expectations

As we’ve discussed, most tropes in horror films have been picked apart to death (so to speak), so horror movie fans love seeing something they’ve never seen before. Look at ways you can play with the expectations of the audience. In The Cabin in the Woods , we expect the heroes will want to save the world, and they subvert our expectations by allowing it to be destroyed. In The Descent , we expect our hero to forgive her friend for sleeping with her husband, but instead she leaves her to die in the cave. Subverting expectations gives your script a fresh feeling and will make it more attractive to a buyer.

The number one purpose of a horror film is to scare your audience. Different people are scared by different things, which gives the horror writer ample material to play with. Whether its clowns or spiders or the woods, the world is full of things that terrify people. You may even take something that isn’t scary and imbue it with menace, like a harmless doll that is possessed by an evil spirit or a nice dog that gets rabies and attacks its owners. As a horror writer, if you haven’t scared your audience, you haven’t done your job. So mine your own fears for what scares you — chances are it will scare someone else, too.

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5 writing tips for a horror film review to make heart miss a beat

Writing a review that can inspire your readers to watch a movie is a challenging task. Especially if it’s a horror film that is typically loved by very few people. Most of us rarely prefer this genre because it makes us experience contradictory emotions, from joy to panic. But what if your job is to persuade people that there is something worth their attention in the horror genre? How to make others willing to watch a horror film despite the negative feelings it may cause?

Before we dig deeper into the details of writing, let’s make your purpose clear. Your main goal is to give readers detailed information about the movie avoiding spoilers. Also, your movie analysis shouldn’t be boring, it must entertain your readers.

Even if it seems that you are not able to write exciting reviews, it’s not really true. In fact, this is a skill that can be developed through consistent practice and a systematic approach with the help of some organization apps .

Just think that you were not born with all the skills you have now. Probably, you’ve spent much time mastering them. The same works for review writing. But what to do if you have an urgent assignment at college and no time to practice? In this case, you can turn for help to https://writix.co.uk/write-my-assignment , which is a service that can complete a pretty good assignment for you. If you ask for assistance on their website, you will get a paper of high quality as soon as possible. Remember that keeping the quality of your writing works is important for an overall semester rate. Anyways, if you want to create a review on your own, check some valuable tips below!

Discuss emotions One of the most common reasons why people watch horror movies is to experience a full range of emotions. They want to be surprised, amused, excited and terrified at the same time. Hence, you should let your readers know what emotions they are more likely to have.

It would be great if your review could evoke the same feelings as the movie does. In order to describe the fear caused by a film, describe your physical sensations experienced while watching it. You can say that you had goosebumps, wide eyes, or shaking hands during particular threatful scenes.

Sometimes, a movie turns out to be funny but not frightening, so people feel deeply disappointed. Instead of facing their inner fears, they are just chilling while watching a film. So warn your readers about such unpredictable things and they will be grateful for saving their time for a more suitable movie.

Mention plot twists The best way to surprise your readers is by including plot twists in your review. Unexpectable scenes can literally leave people breathless, so you should definitely tell about them. Illustrate how unpredictable the plot is and explain why it isn’t so clear as it might seem at the beginning. You can do it by asking open questions and not giving answers to them, so your readers start wondering what could happen next.

This will make your review more engaging and exhilarating. But be careful with spoilers, nobody will appreciate it if you make things obvious.

Describe special effects Modern horror movies are full of various special effects, so you should describe them as well. Tell your readers if special effects are of high quality and whether they look realistic. Illustrate the most impressive scenes with FX to help others feel like they are already watching a movie. You can do this by writing about some murders, scenes with blood, or suffocates.

Obviously, people try to avoid films with low-budget effects because they can spoil even the greatest plot. Since special effects influence an overall impression a lot, you should warn your readers about any troubles with FX you might notice.

Tell a story For sure, your readers would like to get some insights on a movie storyline. Therefore, you can tell them if it looks believable and share some general details that produce interest. Think if the scenes transition smoothly or they seem quite abrupt. Tell your readers if the story is original and whether it flows well.

While giving such information, remember that your aim is to create an inspiring review, so don’t be too boring. That’s why you should use a lot of adjectives and metaphors characterizing story elements. Make your description vivid to evoke readers’ imagination.

Illustrate characters Effective character description is another thing that can make your review more emotional. Mention physical attributes that are likely to impress others but don’t rely solely on them. It would be better to write about your reactions associated with appearance.

To sharpen your description and make characters believable to readers, tell about their specific actions. This means you shouldn’t mention generic activities done by them. Instead, write about frightening and extraordinary things they are doing in the movie.

• Writing Style
• How to write …
• Analysis of Speech
• Storytelling
• Career Development

How to Write a Film Review: Preparation, Steps, Examples

• by Anastasiya Yakubovska
• 06.10.2022 10.05.2024
• How to write ...

How to write a film review (true, professional, and comprehensive) and not be limited to the phrase “What a great movie!”? In this article, you will find answers to the next questions:

• How long is a movie review? 
• How many paragraphs does a movie review have? 
• Features of the Film Review 
• Functions of the Movie Review 
• How to Write a Film Review: Preparation for Writing 
• 10 Questions You Need to Answer Before You Start Writing a Movie Review 
• How to Write and Structure a Film Review: Step by Step 

What Is a Film Review?

A film review is a critical judgment or discussion that informs about the release of a new film and contains its analysis, assessment, summary, as well as personal impressions and experiences after watching.

How long is a movie review?

On average, the length of a film review is about 1000 words.

How many paragraphs does a movie review have?

It is recommended that the film review should consist of 5-7 paragraphs.

Read also article “How to Write a Book Review: Step by Step and Examples”.

Features of the Film Review

A film review is a persuasive piece of writing, it has some features as:

• A less formal style of writing. 
• You need to write objectively about the film. 
• But, on the other hand, movie reviews contain personal thoughts and feelings. 
• The film review’s audience is wider and more diverse. 

Movie reviews can be written by two groups of reviewers: professional critics and ordinary consumers. Therefore, the text of the review will differ. In the first case, when the reviewer is a professional critic, he will describe the movie instead of evaluating it. While consumer critics mostly write from a personal perspective. 

What is the main purpose of a film review?

The main purpose of a film review is to inform readers about the film (what can expect from it) and to help them determine if they want to watch the movie. 

Functions of the Movie Review

The film review performs several functions at once: it informs, analyzes, persuades, and entertains. If you can include all of these points in your review, then you will have an excellent result in the end. 

How to Write a Film Review: Preparation for Writing

Writing a review is, of course, a creative process, but you should not forget about the analytical approach to creating a convincing and high-quality text. You must take the work responsibly, which we will do now.

To write a professional film review, you first need to complete the following preparation steps:

• Of course, the first step is to find a film, if it has not been previously chosen by the manager/client/boss. There will be more chances to write a good review if the film was liked by both – film critics and you personally.
• Watch the movie at least 2-3 times. After the first viewing, you will get a general impression of the picture, and try to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the film. Pay attention to the details the next time you watch it: the sound, the actor’s play, the editing, the plot. 
• If you have difficulty understanding the events covered in the film (for example, historical), be sure to find additional information and research the topic.
• If after two viewings you still do not have a final assessment of the film in the form of a brief thesis, watch the film again. You can look at other works of the director who worked on this film, this will help you determine his characteristic style. Also, as an option, you can look at the game of actors in other films (for comparison).
• When watching a movie, take notes: key scenes, interesting plot twists, inconsistencies, details, and quotes. Then, based on them, you can build a review text, and a good quote can become an excellent epigraph.
• Find information about the filming: location, duration, season, details about the filming process, difficulties the production team faced, casting, etc. Such information will make the review more attractive to readers.
• If the film is nominated for awards and prizes, please include this information in your film review. For a potential viewer, such an assessment of the film will be a weighty argument in the direction of -> compulsory viewing.

10 Questions You Need to Answer Before You Start Writing a Movie Review

• Does the film split into multiple parts? A sequel, prequel, or one of the movie series? 
• What is the film genre (action, comedy, historical, drama, fantasy, Western, political, thriller, gangster, horror, tragicomedy, romance, sports, mystery, science fiction)? Is the movie based on real or fictional events?
• Did the screenplay writer create an exciting plot?
• Is the rhythm of the film slow and quiet, heavy and static, or chaotic and frantic?
• What is the film’s rating according to the MPAA? ( G – General Audiences. All ages admitted. PG – Parental Guidance Suggested. PG-13 – Parents Strongly Cautioned. R – Restricted. Under 17 requires an accompanying parent or adult guardian. NC-17 – Adults Only.) 
• Are there any films with a similar/same theme? Sometimes it is worth mentioning some of them in a review, as a comparison.
• How can you characterize the work of a cinematographer? How accurately are the most expressive compositional, lighting solutions, as well as camera angles, selected and embodied?
• Is the film entertaining or covers a serious themes?
• Was the casting successful? Did all the actors cope with their roles?
• Is the atmosphere of the film tense, mysterious, sinister, relaxed, or romantic?

The answers to all of the above questions will help you understand how to write a film review, and above all, create a draft version of your future review. But, of course, this is not enough for the final result.

How to Write and Structure a Film Review: Step by Step

Writing a film review is a long and complicated process. Therefore, it is better to break it down into stages and move step by step. This will help you not to get lost and not get confused in the details.

• The catchy introduction.

The introductory part of the review should contain important information about the film: title, director, release date, and genre. 

You can mention nominations and awards, as well as indicate the box office (if the numbers are impressive) and the cast. 

In addition to “technical” aspects and a simple presentation of the plot, it is necessary to express your impression of the film in the form of a thesis, for example, to tell:

• about the connection of the film’s central idea with current events and social problems;
• about the similarity of the film’s plot with a personal life situation, personal experience, and feelings;
• about the connection of technical elements (lighting, sound, editing) with the theme of the film.

2. Pass the verdict.

Do not torment the reader and express your opinion about the film in the first paragraphs of the review.

You should not leave all the most interesting “for later”. If you decide to give a final assessment of the film at the end of the review, what are the chances that the reader will read to this end?

3. Write a summary of the plot.

Choose 4-5 main events.

Avoid the film’s ending and spoilers. Keep the intrigue. If you want to spoil and share an unusual story development, warn the reader about this.

4. Bring the feelings.

In addition to presenting the plot of the film, you should add emotions to the text of the review and show what you felt while watching it.

5. Define the main purpose of the movie. 

Perhaps the film’s purpose is hidden in its plot. Or maybe the film does not pretend to solve global problems at all. Perhaps the film is entertaining, and this is its advantage – it is relaxed and simple.

Sometimes the main idea of a serious and deep film can be found in an interview with a film crew, a screenwriter, or a director.

6. Add some details of the filmmaking process. 

It is important to know the measure and not to overdo it with the terminology. Here’s what you can write about:

• Cinematography: visual mood, lighting elements, shot sizes and widths, camera angles, etc. 
• Sound. The main goal is to create the necessary atmosphere in the film. Sound in movies includes music, dialogue, sound effects, ambient noise, background noise, and soundtracks. 
• Editing is the creation of a finished motion picture from many shot scenes. A film editor must creatively work with the layers of images, story, dialogue, music, pacing, as well as the actors’ performances to effectively “re-imagine” and even rewrite the film to craft a cohesive whole.
• Mise-en-scène (from French – placement on the stage) is the mutual arrangement of the actors and their environment on the set, natural or pavilion. Mise-en-scene includes landscapes, visual effects, the psychological state of the characters, etc.

7. The deep meaning.

You may be able to spot specific symbolic items, repetitive moments, or key phrases that give depth to the film.

8. Give examples.

It is not enough to say “ an excellent game of actors ”. Explain what exactly caught your attention (appearance, facial expressions, costumes, or movements of the actor). 

9. A convincing conclusion.

Write about the moments in the film that made the biggest impression on you. Share a recommendation. To whom and why do you advise to watch this movie?

10. Reread the review text several times .

Edit, and correct mistakes that can spoil the impression even from a professionally written film review.

Examples of Film Reviews

To consolidate the received information, let’s move from theory to practice. Below are two examples of film reviews.

Apocalypse Now

Review by Roger Ebert

Francis Ford Coppola’s film “Apocalypse Now” was inspired by Heart of Darkness, a novel by Joseph Conrad about a European named Kurtz who penetrated to the farthest reaches of the Congo and established himself like a god. A boat sets out to find him, and on the journey the narrator gradually loses confidence in orderly civilization; he is oppressed by the great weight of the jungle all around him, a pitiless Darwinian testing ground in which each living thing tries every day not to be eaten.

What is found at the end of the journey is not Kurtz so much as what Kurtz found: that all of our days and ways are a fragile structure perched uneasily atop the hungry jaws of nature that will thoughtlessly devour us. A happy life is a daily reprieve from this knowledge.

A week ago I was in Calcutta, where I saw mile upon square mile of squatter camps in which hundreds of thousands live generation after generation in leaky huts of plastic, cardboard and scrap metal, in poverty so absolute it is impossible to see any hope of escape. I do not mean to equate the misery of those hopeless people with a movie; that would be indecent. But I was deeply shaken by what I saw, and realized how precious and precarious is a happy life. And in such a mood I watched “Apocalypse Now” and came to the scene where Col. Kurtz (Marlon Brando) tells Capt. Willard (Martin Sheen) about “the horror.”

Kurtz is a decorated hero, one of the best soldiers in the Army, who has created a jungle sanctuary upriver inside enemy territory, and rules Montagnard tribesmen as his private army. He tells Willard about a day when his Special Forces men inoculated the children of a village against polio: “This old man came running after us and he was crying, he couldn’t see. We went back there, and they had come and hacked off every inoculated arm. There they were in a pile, a pile of little arms. . . .”

What Kurtz learned is that the Viet Cong were willing to go to greater lengths to win: “Then I realized they were stronger than we. They have the strength, the strength to do that. If I had 10 divisions of those men, then our troubles here would be over very quickly. You have to have men who are moral and at the same time who are able to utilize their primordial instincts to kill without feeling, without passion, without judgment.” This is the “horror” that Kurtz has found, and it threatens to envelop Willard, too.

The whole movie is a journey toward Willard’s understanding of how Kurtz, one of the Army’s best soldiers, penetrated the reality of war to such a depth that he could not look any longer without madness and despair.

The film has one of the most haunting endings in cinema, a poetic evocation of what Kurtz has discovered, and what we hope not to discover for ourselves. The river journey creates enormous anticipation about Kurtz, and Brando fulfills it. When the film was released in 1979, his casting was criticized and his enormous paycheck of $1 million was much discussed, but it’s clear he was the correct choice, not only because of his stature as an icon, but because of his voice, which enters the film from darkness or half-light, repeating the words of T.S. Eliot’s despairing “The Hollow Men.” That voice sets the final tone of the film.

Film review: example

Diana biopic Spencer wobbles between the bold and the bad

By Nicholas Barber

You may feel that you’ve had enough of Princess Diana’s story on the big and small screens, what with Naomi Watts taking the role in Oliver Hirschbiegel’s awful Diana in 2013, and then Emma Corrin playing her in the most recent season of The Crown, with the mantel set to be passed in Elizabeth Debicki in the next run. But, to give it its due, Pablo Larraín’s Spencer marks the only time the People’s Princess has been shown delivering a lecture on Anne Boleyn to an old coat that she has just stolen off a scarecrow, and then having a chat with the ghost of Boleyn herself shortly afterwards. The Chilean director doesn’t go in for conventional biopics, as anyone who has seen Jackie (starring Natalie Portman) or Neruda will know. And here again he has gone for a surreal portrait of his iconic subject. The snag is that his experimental art house spirit keeps bumping up against the naffness and the familiarity of British films set in stately homes, so his psychodrama ends up being both ground-breaking and rib-tickling.

It’s set over three days in 1991, from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, at Sandringham House in Norfolk. The rest of the Royal Family has arrived for their holiday in a fleet of chauffeur-driven cars, but Diana (Kristen Stewart) rocks up on her own in a Porsche convertible, having taken a detour to visit the aforementioned scarecrow: her dilapidated childhood home, from the days when she was Lady Diana Spencer, is a field or two away from Sandringham. Her late arrival concerns the sympathetic head chef (Sean Harris) and bothers the Scottish army veteran (Timothy Spall) who has the job of ensuring that everything goes the way the Queen wants it to. Her Majesty’s insufferable Christmas traditions include weighing all the guests when they arrive and when they leave to ensure that they’ve been sufficiently gluttonous. But Diana is in no mood for festive japes. Her Christmas present from Charles (Jack Farthing) – a necklace with pearls the size of golf balls – is identical to the one he has given his mistress. And the whisper in the servants’ quarters is that the Princess is “cracking up”. The filmmakers apparently agree.

Steering away from the same territory as The Crown, Larraín and Knight don’t fill the film with awkward meals and heated arguments (although there are one of each of those). Prince Charles does some grumbling, but the Queen has hardly any lines and Prince Philip has none: they are closer to menacing waxworks than people. For most of the time, Diana is either talking to her young sons, her trusted personal dresser (Sally Hawkins) or to herself. It’s interesting, this lack of dramatic conflict and discernible plot, but it can leave the film seeming as listless and purposeless as Larraín’s Diana herself. Her favourite occupation is to wander around the estate until she finds something that has an ominous symbolic connection to her, and then make an unconvincing speech about it. Ah, pheasants! So beautiful, yet bred to be killed!

Stewart is such inspired casting that she makes all this eccentric nonsense watchable. She’s been practising Diana’s signature moves for years – dipped head, hunched shoulders – and she certainly knows what it’s like to put up with intrusive tabloid photographers. She also looks suitably fabulous in the many outfits that Diana is required to wear over the long weekend. And unlike Watts’s performance in 2013, hers doesn’t seem distractingly like an impersonation. Mind you, she delivers all her lines in little bursts of hissing whispers, so if you don’t see it with English subtitles, as its first audiences did at the Venice Film Festival, you might not understand more than half of what she says.

The effect is a bit odd, but there are lots of odd things in the film, not least the tone and the pacing, which lurch around like someone who’s had too much after-dinner port. Between Jonny Greenwood’s squalling jazz soundtrack, the hallucinations, and the blush-making sexual confessions, Spencer is a folly that wobbles between the bold and the bad, the disturbingly gothic and the just plain silly. In some scenes, it’s heart-rending in its depiction of Diana’s self-harm and bulimia. In others, it’s almost as risible as the Diana biopic from 2013, and that’s saying something. I didn’t know any more about Diana afterwards than I did beforehand, but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it. This is a film that echoes The Shining at the start and 2001: A Space Odyssey at the end. The Crown Christmas Special it ain’t.

Sources of information: 

• “The Film Analysis Handbook” by Thomas Caldwell. 
• https://payforwriting.com/writing/creating-review/how-to-write-movie-review
• www.mtsu.edu
• www.sciencedirect.com/science
• Image:   freepik.com
• Poster from the film Apocalypse Now

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26 May 2023

A Plot Structure for Writing Terrifying Horror Fiction

Horror is one of the most enduring genres of fiction. It touches something within us – letting us explore our most primal emotions. There are no hard and fast rules for writing Horror Fiction, but there are certain elements that you’ll find are common. Knowing the main plot beats in advance can help you pinpoint where you can develop and expand in your own style.

We’ll be looking at some of the most popular story structures and breaking down how to use them to their fullest effect. You’ll be able to access the full repository here as we release them, complete with downloadable templates to use in your next Novlr project! This template is inspired by T.L. Bodine ‘s Horror Beat Sheet.

“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear , and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” H.P. Lovecraft

Act 1: The Setup

Act 1 is all about setting the stage and building your world. You should let your readers get to know your characters and set the tone for what comes next. This should make up the first 25% of your story.

Stage 1: The Hidden Monster

The first stage of any good piece of horror fiction is the hook. You want to draw your readers in with a hint of what is to come by teasing the Monster that will be the central antagonist of your work. This opening section is a promise to your readers – “this is the kind of horror you can expect.”

This initial stage can be the first chapter of your novel or take the form of a prologue. It should include an early glimpse of your Monster, or at least hint at its existence. It should also show the Ordinary World as a mirage, where something sinister creeps just out of view.

Stage 2: Introducing the Characters

If your main characters haven’t been introduced in your hook, then this is the time to introduce them to your readers. You want to set them up as people, reveal their internal motivations, and hint at how your characters’ internal motivations and goals may come into conflict with the motivations of your Monster.

Good horror fiction uses characters’ wants and desires against them, so it’s essential to set them up strongly from the start. Genuinely great horror is driven by characters, not events.

Stage 3: The Journey Begins

Stage 3 introduces the inciting incident that puts your characters in the path of your Monster. This can be through choice or accident. The inciting incident will isolate them somehow, whether physically or emotionally. It’s that isolation that will build a sense of creeping dread.

In some cases, your characters may have the chance to walk away, creating a moment of tension when they choose to carry on the path toward the Monster. Your reader knows what is coming, making your character’s fates feel inevitable, and amplifying the sense of fear.

Stage 4: Meeting the Monster

While your reader will have had hints at the Monster, this is where your character will have their first brush with it. It will be their first realisation that the reality they thought they knew is not their reality at all, and that something lurks in the darkness.

While your characters will have their first brush with the Monster in the final part of Act 1, it provides another excellent opportunity to develop their internal lives. Here, your characters can choose to downplay the threat that the Monster poses. They may even be in denial about its existence and believe they’ve imagined it. It’s the perfect chance to highlight the conflict between a character’s rational mind and the Monster.

Act 2: A Changing Reality

Just like in The Hero’s Journey , Act 2 sees your character crossing a threshold and embarking into a new reality where Monsters exist. From this point forward, you’ll need to increase the tension. This will be the bulk of your novel, making up 50% of the story from the 25% – 75% mark.

Stage 5: The Turning Point

It is here that your character reaches the point of no return, and you’ll need to ramp up the tension and moments of horror in your story.

A lot of the danger your characters face will have been in the background until now. Something they could rationalise away if they so choose. But now, you’ll want the danger to be obvious and unavoidable. You could mark this with the first character death, or a serious scare that forces your characters to confront their belief in the Monster.

Stage 6: Pursuit

Now that you’ve started to ramp up the tension with a confrontation, stage 6 is where the meat of your narrative lies. The Monster will pursue your characters from here on out, forcing them to confront their inner demons.

The internal goals, motivations, and conflicts you outlined in the early stages will play a big part here. They should be teased out and picked apart as your characters are forced to confront them through their responses to the Monster.

The Monster should grow increasingly dangerous. Your characters should not only fear what the Monster represents but also genuinely worry about their ability to survive and overcome. You can include injuries that characters struggle with as they are pursued and may leave them permanently marked by their experiences, or you could include more character deaths. Both your characters’ internal and external struggles should come into play here to build a sense of rising tension that is essential to all horror fiction.

 Stage 7: The First Confrontation

While being pursued by the Monster, your characters will have learned and developed. As the Monster catches up to them, your characters should feel confident or desperate enough to attempt a confrontation.

This confrontation will fail. This can be because your characters lack some vital piece of information, have made the wrong links between or misinterpreted essential clues, or are unable to reconcile their inner demons or conflict with the Monster in a way that will ensure success.

Stage 8: Desperation

After the failed confrontation, your characters should feel desperation. The isolation you developed in the early stages of your novels should be reiterated here, as your remaining characters should be more alone (both physically and emotionally) than ever before.

At this point, your readers should feel as hopeless as your characters. The Monster will be stronger than ever, and the situation will feel hopeless. Your protagonist may finally come to understand that their internal conflict is what stopped them from defeating the Monster, which makes them question their ability ever to overcome it. It may even make them feel responsible for the events in some way.

Act 3: The Payoff

Here, we enter the last quarter of your novel. This is where your characters will enter the final confrontation with the Monster. It should make up the final 25% of your novel, ramping up into the climax, before either destroying or returning your remaining characters to their original state of existence, forever changed by the experience.

Stage 9: Breakthrough

Just in time, your remaining characters will stumble upon or learn a vital piece of information that makes clear how to defeat the Monster. They may have actively sought out this information or found it through an epiphany; either way, this breakthrough should be represented by some kind of plot twist or stunning revelation.

With this information at their disposal, your characters are ready to prepare for the final confrontation with the Monster and the climax of your novel.

Stage 10: Preparing for the Final Confrontation

Instead of running, your character will now seek out the Monster, ready to confront it head-on. Up till now, they have been pursued – now they become the pursuers.

Armed with the knowledge gained from the previous stage, your characters feel confident in their victory, unaware of the cost that their victory may require.

Stage 11: The Price of Victory

Here, your characters must face not just the Monster, but also their own internal and external conflicts. Victory against the Monster will require either a great sacrifice on the part of your protagonists, or a self-realisation that your characters are simply not ready to face.

Defeating the Monster must carry a hidden cost that will change your characters forever. Despite returning to their previous existence, nothing will ever be the same. Here, you can choose to have your characters either succeed or fail. If you have more than one surviving character at this point, you can even have one be unable to confront their conflicts and fail, while the other is willing to do what must be done and emerges victorious.

It’s essential to up the stakes here as this is the climax of your novel. You need to provide choice and reel the reader in by ramping up the tension. You need it to both be dramatic and rewarding, with a strong emphasis on your character. If a sacrifice is made for victory, you need to show how their experiences have led them to this point. If your character is unwilling to do what must be done, you need to highlight that weakness and show why they lacked the strength to defeat the Monster.

Stage 12: The Fallout

With the Monster defeated, or the character all dead, this is where you must explore the consequences of what has happened, whether this is a transformation of your remaining characters, an evil released into the world, or resetting a cycle for another group of unsuspecting characters.

Your remaining characters will have been permanently changed by their experiences, so you should illustrate how differently they see the world now. Are they no longer as rational as they once were? Do they fear shadows? It’s important to show the difference between how the world felt to them before and how different it feels after their ordeal.

Even if your characters were victorious, the Monster should not be entirely destroyed. Evil persists, and in horror fiction, victories are never permanent. You should offer a final hint at the Monster’s survival, either through the remaining character’s experiences or as an epilogue hinting at more terrors still to come.

Download the template

You can download the template below to use it for your next project and import it directly into Novlr. If you go to the Projects page from your Novlr dashboard and click on “Import,” the template will automatically split your project into acts and sections for easy plotting!

There is no “right” way to outline a novel. That’s why there are lots of different story structures out there. The trick is finding one that works for you and adapting it to suit your needs. Once you understand the way story structure works, it’s easy to bend the rules to make something completely unique to you.

What a good plot template can do is provide a springboard for your ideas, giving them fertile soil in which your imagination can help them flourish into the novel they deserve to be.

Den of Geek

How To Write a Horror Movie

Seven horror screenwriters share their tips on how to write a really scary movie.

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It’s easy to write a horror movie, isn’t it? Pack up a couple of kids, send them off somewhere isolated, and have a monster chase them through the woods. Throw in some loud bangs on the soundtrack and you’re sorted. Right?

Wrong. Well, okay, not wrong if you want to write a basic, generic, forgettable kind of horror movie. But if you want to do something better than that, things get a bit more complicated. You need a proper story; characters worth investing in; a carefully constructed atmosphere of dread punctuated by the kind of scares that make your audience hide behind their hands. And that’s not easy.

To get the lowdown on what works and what doesn’t, I interviewed some working horror writers. Here are their tips:

Find the real story

First things first: you need to know what story you’re telling, and that isn’t just going to be “people get killed.”

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“When you’re writing a horror movie, you’ve got to write two movies,” says James Moran, writer of Severance , Cockneys Vs Zombies , Tower Block , and new web series Mina Murray’s Journal . “There’s the movie that’s gonna happen if the slasher doesn’t arrive, or the ghost doesn’t possess somebody, so the horror doesn’t start happening, and that should be enough to sustain a whole 90 minute movie – and then, half an hour or so in, that’s disrupted by the horror element crashing in and stuffing everything up.”

So if you did want to write a cabin-in-the-woods story, you’d need a proper reason for your characters to be going out there, and enough drama to sustain that story even before your villain rocks up. It’s a lot to think about, but Moran reckons it’s worth it. “If you do it that way, you get fully rounded characters, and a proper situation, and a proper story,” he says. “So after 10 or 15 minutes, [your audience] is probably kind of hoping nothing bad is going to happen.”

Alice Lowe, writer and director of pregnancy slasher Prevenge , agrees it’s important to get the human side of the story sorted before introducing any extra elements. “My favorite horrors always deal with really important human stories, and then the horror comes after,” she told me. “If the human story doesn’t work, then the horror doesn’t work, either. You know, films like Carrie and Rosemary’s Baby and The Shining are all about human threats, really – fearing violence from your father, or bullying at school, or overbearing mothers, or any of those things.”

Focus on your characters

Speaking of the human side of horror, the writers I talked to all agreed that writing believable characters is essential to creating a really scary movie. “My favorite heroines in horror movies are proactive,” says Kevin Lehane, screenwriter of Grabbers and Neil Gaiman’s Likely Stories . “Like in Candyman or Nightmare On Elm Street – or sometimes in sequels like Aliens or even Halloween H20 , where the heroine has been through something and she’s determined not to go through it again – that lets you put a character in a position of jeopardy because they have an internal motivator, which is ‘I need to know what’s haunting me and destroying my life, and I need to vanquish it.’”

Since horror movies often involve characters putting themselves in danger, he reckons it’s important that there’s a reason for the audience to believe they’d actually do it – that they’re not just doing it because the horror can’t happen if they don’t.

Moran, too, reckons plausible motivation is crucial. “My thing with characters is, even if you have a crazy over-the-top supernatural situation, I want everyone to behave realistically within that context,” he says. “So even though there’s not going to be a zombie outbreak, because zombies aren’t real, you have to think, if there was, how would people react?”

He also says characters should be the kind of people an audience is happy to spend time with. “It’s not that they all have to be lovely, but you have to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing,” he clarifies. “And even if they’re horrible, you have to get behind them in some way. Like, ‘I don’t like them, but I am entertained watching their story, so I don’t want them to die right now so I can see what happens.’ If everyone’s awful, you’re just like ‘I hate these people, I want them to die, when is that going to happen please?’ And then that’s not scary.”

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Get your antagonist right

Once you’ve got your characters sorted, it’s time to think about the villain. The possibilities are basically endless – vampires, werewolves, mummies, ghosts, deranged murderers, zombies, creatures from outer space! – but choosing the right villain for the story you’re trying to tell can be key. If you’re trying to write a script and something’s not working, it might be that you’ve got the wrong monster.

Nick Ostler, who co-wrote werewolf horror Howl with Mark Huckerby, says getting the antagonist right was crucial to their story. “The creature was originally a kind of Black Shuck, this legendary character from East Anglia,” he remembers. “But for various reasons, as we were writing it developed into a werewolf, and that was the breakthrough. Suddenly, we had a creature and a mythology, and we knew what the film was going to be about: it was about this ticket inspector who’s kind of a beta male who, over the course of the film, grows to become an alpha male. And it’s all about men and how they react to different situations. The monster gave us the whole structure.”

Building on existing mythology can be helpful, of course, because audiences already know what to expect. But making up new monsters can also work. “For me, the fun in monster movies is discovering a new species and getting to see something you’ve not seen before,” says Lehane. “With Grabbers , I tried to give the monster as much personality as I could through its behaviour and its lifecycle, the fact that it needed to be wet to walk on land, and it pops people’s head off and drinks their blood. Just stuff like that. You can sort of take your monster and give it its own idiosyncratic personality and traits.”

He also recommends linking your characters to the monster. “I try to apply logic to what I’m doing, so it’s like the monster represents something about a character’s personal flaws.”

Think like a comedian

A slightly unexpected bit of advice that several writers gave me was that horror should work kind of like comedy. Mark Huckerby explains, “Nick and I started out in comedy, and we always say that comedy and horror are very close in some ways. A good joke is told with a build-up, which is the tension, and the punchline, which is the release. I don’t know whether our love of horror came from our love of making people laugh, but they’re very similar. Often, you’ll hear people in the cinema, when they’re really scared, will laugh as well as scream.”

Moran concurs, seeing an audience’s reaction to a scare as being the same kind of physical reaction that audiences will have to comedy, and that means that not every scare will work for everyone, every time. “There are some comedies you’re either gonna laugh at or you’re not, and you can sit there and explain to yourself that it’s funny because of x, y, and z, but if it doesn’t make you laugh it doesn’t make you laugh,” he says. “The same goes for horror – if it doesn’t make you jump, I could explain why it made me scared but it won’t necessarily make someone else scared.”

Push boundaries

There are plenty of films that blend horror with comedy, of course – and tons of films that use horror tropes to tell the kinds of stories you might expect to find in other genres. The Blaine Brothers, who co-wrote and co-directed Nina Forever , told me they didn’t think of their film as a horror when they made it.

“It basically came out of death and grief, first witnessing other people’s grief and then experiencing our own,” said Ben Blaine. While the film uses some pretty horrific imagery – including a woman returning from the dead, still bloody and battered – it doesn’t have a traditional horror narrative. The Blaines were happy that horror audiences embraced their film, and reckon it’s valid to cross the streams. Chris Blaine says “The exciting thing is seeing people use the genre to explain a thought or feeling or emotion; finding a way of explaining life by using a fantastical metaphor.”

Having made two films that are more ‘horror and…’ rather than straight horrors, Lowe agrees. “It’s debatable whether Prevenge is a classic horror, in the same sense that Sightseers isn’t your typical horror,” she says. “It’s got moments of horror, but other moments that dip into social satire, or realism, or even surrealism, in some parts! The best thing horror can do is be its own thing and find new genres and new ideas, rather than resorting to the same old same old, which eventually becomes predictable. That isn’t scary at all.”

So if you’ve got an off-beat idea that you’re not sure is really a proper horror film, that might actually be a great thing. “What I feel is, horror shouldn’t be treated like a box,” says Lowe. “It should be a peg that you can hang onto, along with lots of other pegs that you can put your project on. It’s something to be inspired by, rather than trapped by, really.”

Slow it down

Let’s get down to specifics. How do you make a film scary? One way is to slow down the pace, drag things out a little longer, and spend longer building atmosphere. “When you watch a film and there’s just a cheap orchestral stab, you think ‘well, that’s completely unearned.’ Anyone can say boo and make you jump,” says Huckerby. “But in more modern horror – I think James Wan is quite good at this – there’s this relentless building, and building, and holding… some of those sequences go on longer than you can even stand.”

His co-writer agrees. Talking about writing urban witch movie Don’t Knock Twice , Ostler says, “We went back to scare scenes and wrote in longer and longer build ups, because we realised that’s really where the scare comes from. Over 90 minutes, you can get away with a couple of cheap jump scares, and they can be fun, and you can get away with a dream scare, which can be fun if it’s done well, and you can even get away with one mirror scare, maybe. But if that’s all you’re relying on, you’re in trouble.”

Lehane also recommends taking your time. “[Horror] needs to be quiet, it needs to be tense, and it needs to be drawn out,” he says. “You need to avoid poking fun at your villain; even if you’re doing a horror comedy, it’s good to keep the humour on the side of the characters rather than the villain. Unless it’s a party film like Return Of The Living Dead or Evil Dead ! But otherwise, you want to make sure that your villain is legitimately dangerous and frightening. And slow it down! The moment horror movies get really fast, with running and screaming and frantic behavior, that’s terror – it’s not horror any more. Horror should be slow and creepy. You allow moments of dread to creep in, and that’s when it’s really frightening.”

Don’t give the audience too much information

‘Show, don’t tell’ is probably the oldest trick in the book, but the writers I talked to for this feature went one step further and recommended keeping some things back completely, making the audience do the work themselves.

“Almost without fail, the disappointing bit in a horror movie is when whatever it is stops being in your imagination and starts being on screen,” says Ben Blaine. “You’re like, ‘oh, I imagined it and I was scared by it, and now I’ve seen it, it’s let me down’. I think there’s something in making the audience tell the story themselves.”

Ben continues, “We got some really good advice when we were making [ Nina Forever ]. We showed a cut to some people, and they said “It’s too explained. You’re too worried about letting everyone know what’s happening, and it makes it boring.” We found that when we took out the bits where we explained what was happening, not only did people still know what was happening, but you could see that they’d reached those conclusions for themselves, and they’d really bought into the film.”

Kevin Lehane says he’s doing something similar with the script he’s currently working on, a slasher titled Heads Will Roll . “Originally I put too much backstory in about the villainess,” he says “And I’ve come to realise that the more you know about a villain, the more you understand them, and the more empathy you have for them. And once you have empathy for a villain, you want to redeem them instead of kill them.”

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So if you want to freak out an audience, keep your killer in the shadows, and hint at something scary rather than throwing it in their faces. “It’s the space between the images that works on the audience,” says Ben Blaine. “It’s not the visceral side. Like, you can see a person explode, but the stuff that really gets to you is when you go, ‘there’s an empty room and outside the room is a small boy with a weird look on his face, what does that mean?’”

Watch horror movies

This is probably the most fun tip on this list: if you want to write horror movies, try watching some. You don’t necessarily need to be an expert, and your script doesn’t need to be loaded with winks and references to the films that have gone before – that’s kind of gone out of fashion now anyway – but it definitely doesn’t hurt to be familiar with the genre.

“When I’m writing something that’s in a specific genre, I’ll watch a certain number of films that are similar in tone and execution so I don’t deviate too far from the beaten path,” says Lehane. “When I was writing Grabbers I was watching Tremors a lot – Tremors and Lake Placid ! It depends how much you want to know, but the best way is just to be aware, be literate.”

Ostler says much the same thing. When I ask if he thought you needed to watch horror movies to be able to write one, he says: “You’d be daft not to. Whatever we’ve done, we’ve schooled ourselves in that genre as much as we could, but then you’ve got to be careful of ripping off things you have seen!”

Obviously, there’s no exam you have to pass before you can think about writing your own stories, but while being accused of plagiarism is a risk, you could run into just as much trouble by not knowing what’s already out there. As Lehane says, “You don’t want to be trying to do a horror film set on Halloween about a guy in a white mask!”

Think about what really scares you

Finally, most of the writers I spoke to recommended making your story personal in some way. Not autobiographical, necessarily, but using personal experiences and perspectives can help make a story feel real, rather than generic.

Lowe, more than anyone, stresses that point. “I based [ Prevenge ] on what I felt, and my perspective of what pregnancy was like,” she says. “I felt like it was quite a psychedelic experience in some ways, it all seemed really vivid and intense to me. I think [existing portrayals of pregnancy in horror] very much focus on body horror, and there is an element of that in my film, but not as much as you might think.

“It’s more of an experiential type of thing,” she continues. “I’ve deliberately got lots of close-ups of strange objects and blood and things like that to make the audience go through the rite of passage that the main character is going through. And I was actually pregnant when I made the film so, I don’t know if that gives it an extra tangibility that makes it even more creepy and disturbing to people!”

For Moran, the best way to connect with an audience is to put himself in their shoes. “I just think about ‘what would I like to see next?’ and ‘what would I not like to see happen next?’” he explains. “And whatever I’m dreading, I have to put that in. If you treat it honestly like that, then it’ll have an effect on other people.”

Maybe it’s an obvious point to make, but if you don’t think what you’re writing is interesting, or scary, or funny, or whatever you’re aiming for, it’s unlikely anyone else is going to.

To end on an extra-encouraging note, I’ll give Kevin Lehane the last word on the subject. “Each person is unique, and we all come from different backgrounds,” he says. “So if you filter as much of yourself as you can into your stories, and make them as personal as possible, that will give them an edge no-one can replicate.”

Sarah Dobbs | @SarahDobbs

Sarah is a freelance writer and editor. She loves horror movies, unusual storytelling techniques, and smoking jackets. Ask her about the Saw movies. Go on, ask.

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W elcome to StudioBinder’s screenplay library, your ultimate destination for spine-chilling and blood-curdling free horror scripts. Brace yourself for a journey into the dark realms of fear and terror as we present a handpicked selection of the most bone-chilling and haunting stories ever written. Dive into the depths of horror, where suspense lurks around every corner and nightmares come to life. With feature-length screenplays and insightful breakdowns, this collection will send shivers down your spine. Enjoy!

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horror, thriller

Written By:   Matt Greenberg and Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski (screenplay), based on the short story by Stephen King

Synopsis : A man who specializes in debunking paranormal occurrences checks into the fabled room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel. Soon after settling in, he confronts genuine terror.

sci-fi, horror

Written By: Dan O'Bannon 

Synopsis : After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun.

American Psycho

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Written By: Mary Harron & Guinevere Turner (screenplay), based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis 

Synopsis : A wealthy New York City investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.

The Babadook

Written By: Jennifer Kent

Synopsis : A single mother and her child fall into a deep well of paranoia when an eerie children's book titled "Mister Babadook" manifests in their home.

Written By: Lawrence D. Cohen (screenplay), based on the novel by Stephen King

Synopsis : Carrie White, a shy, friendless teenage girl who is sheltered by her domineering, religious mother, unleashes her telekinetic powers after being humiliated by her classmates at her senior prom.

The Conjuring

Written By:  Chad Hayes & Carey W. Hayes 

Synopsis : Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse.

The Exorcist

Written By:  William Peter Blatty 

Synopsis : When a 12-year-old girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her.

horror, sci-fi

Written By: Charles Edward Pogue & David Cronenberg (screenplay), based on the short story by George Langelaan

Synopsis : A brilliant but eccentric scientist begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong.

horror, THRILLER

Written By:  Jordan Peele 

Synopsis : A young African-American visits his white girlfriend's parents for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point.

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Written By:  John Carpenter & Debra Hill 

Synopsis : Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.

horror, drama

Written By:  Ari Aster

Synopsis : A grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.

Written By:  David Robert Mitchell 

Synopsis : When a sports agent has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it, he decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent agent with the only athlete who stays with him and his former colleague.

drama, horror

The lighthouse.

Written By:  Robert Eggers & Max Eggers 

Synopsis : Two lighthouse keepers try to maintain their sanity whilst living on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.

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Written By:  Ari Aster (screenplay by)

Synopsis : A couple travels to Sweden to visit a rural hometown's fabled mid-summer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult.

Written By: William Goldman (screenplay by), based on the novel by Stephen King 

Synopsis : After a famous author is rescued from a car crash by a fan of his novels, he comes to realize that the care he is receiving is only the beginning of a nightmare of captivity and abuse.

Written By:  Frank Darabont (screenplay), based on the novel by Stephen King 

Synopsis : A freak storm unleashes a species of bloodthirsty creatures on a small town, where a small band of citizens hole up in a supermarket and fight for their lives.

horror, fantasy

Monster squad.

Written By:  Shane Black & Fred Dekker 

Synopsis : A young group of monster fanatics attempt to save their hometown from Count Dracula and his monsters.

Night of the Living Dead

Written By:  John A. Russo & George A. Romero 

Synopsis :  A ragtag group of Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in an old farmhouse to remain safe from a horde of flesh-eating ghouls that are ravaging the East Coast of the United States.

Pet Sematary

Written By:  Stephen King 

Synopsis : After tragedy strikes, a grieving father discovers an ancient burial ground behind his home with the power to raise the dead.

A Quiet Place

Written By:  Bryan Woods and Scott Beck & John Krasinski 

Synopsis : In a post-apocalyptic world, a family is forced to live in silence while hiding from monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing.

Rosemary's Baby

Written By: Roman Polanski (screenplay), based on the novel by Ira Levin

Synopsis : A young couple trying for a baby move into an aging, ornate apartment building on Central Park West, but find themselves surrounded by peculiar neighbors.

thriller, horror

Secret window.

Written By:  David Koepp (screenplay), based on the novel by Stephen King

Synopsis : A successful writer in the midst of a painful divorce is stalked at his remote lake house by a would-be scribe who accuses him of plagiarism.

horror, comedy

Shaun of the dead.

Written By:  Simon Pegg & Edgar Wright 

Synopsis : A man's uneventful life is disrupted by the zombie apocalypse.

The Shining

Written By: Stanley Kubrick & Diane Johnson (screenplay), based on the novel by Stephen King

Synopsis : A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future.

fantasy, horror

Sleepy hollow.

Written By:  Andrew Kevin Walker 

Synopsis : Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate the decapitations of three people, with the culprit being the legendary apparition, The Headless Horseman.

Synopsis : A family's serene beach vacation turns to chaos when their doppelgängers appear and begin to terrorize them.

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Horror Movie Reviews Samples For Students

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Over the course of studying in college, you will inevitably have to pen a lot of Movie Reviews on Horror. Lucky you if putting words together and turning them into relevant content comes naturally to you; if it's not the case, you can save the day by finding an already written Horror Movie Review example and using it as a template to follow.

This is when you will definitely find WowEssays' free samples catalog extremely useful as it embodies numerous skillfully written works on most various Horror Movie Reviews topics. Ideally, you should be able to find a piece that meets your requirements and use it as a template to develop your own Movie Review. Alternatively, our skilled essay writers can deliver you a unique Horror Movie Review model written from scratch according to your individual instructions.

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Dorian gray (2009) movie review.

Oliver Parker’s version of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ is a witty horror movie that captures subtlety of Oscar Wilde’s writing. The movie is somewhat different from previous attempts of screening the story about a young and handsome Dorian Gray.

Japanese Movie Analysis Movie Review Sample

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The Last Man on Earth is a 1964 science fiction horror film directed by Ubaldo Ragona and Sidney Salkow. This film was adapted from Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel I Am Legend. The filmed was set in Rome, Italy and was released in theatre in the United States by American International Pictures and the UK in 1966.

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‘Apartment 7A’ Trailer – Here’s What Happened Before ‘Rosemary’s Baby’

Coming this Halloween from the Paramount+ streaming service, Apartment 7A is a brand new prequel to the Roman Polanski horror classic Rosemary’s...

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Mental hygiene for a teenage werewolf, mental hygiene for a teenage werewolf by anthony m. caro …, the faces, voices, and faiths of kurt barlow, kurt barlow stands in literary, television, radio, and – soon – cinematic history as one…, totally awesome 1980’s consumerism & terrorvision-ism, why terrorvision the 1986 empire pictures production caught my eye even after getting dogged by “do…, mystery science theater: a ticket to the gizmoplex, what do jason vorhees, tom brady and mystery science theater 3000 all have in common they never age…, how i spent my summer vacation: making beware children at play – part three, welcome back to the final chapter of beware children at play. and, being our final chapter, we’ll cu…, the best horror of 2022, it’s that time again to make the 2022 list. i was able to interview a lot of new directors’ wr…, marketing macabre year in review 2022, marketing macabre year in review 2022  in january 2022 we started out with the announcement of hnn p…, landis: the story of a real man on 42nd street, one of the perks of membership in the horror writers association is being sent pre-publication arcs …, the children of a lesser corn: making beware children at play – part one, when i think back on the thirty plus movies and television shows i’ve worked on, one always stands o…, a history of don’t films: part one: the hallmark years, don’t is a powerful word. it’s one of the first commands we’re taught as kids, keeping us from stick…, top ten exclusives for 2022 from halloweencostumes.com, halloweencostumes.com has once again teamed with horrornews.net to bring you a preview of exclusive …, top horror movies that go to hell (hell in film depictions), the subject of hell incorporated in horror films has always been an area of intrigue. while we can m…, 15 most underrated slasher horror movies, you guys know that i am a slasher flick fanatic and that i take pride in the fact that i have seen j…, list of the 10 most underrated horror movies from 2000 to 2010, as most of you know i grew up in the 1980s and consider that decade to be the golden age of horror. …, top 10 puppet horror movies, welcome back my little darlings, i promise i won’t be killing you. i am here to entertain you today …, the flemington toy and collectible spooktacular.

Janel Spiegel 08/29/2024 Events | Horror Events , News

  This event will feature both vintage and new toys and collectibles.

Deafness in Horror: Examining the Genre’s Approach to Hearing Disabilities

Mark Davies 08/29/2024 News

The relationship between film and accessibility has been a significant point of conversation, given the medium’s relationship to deafness, which dates back to 1928, when the first “talkie” signaled the shift from silent films. It’s especially worth looking at a genre as divisive as horror, considering its main purpose is discomfort and sensationalizing the fears that audiences think about. The …

TERRIFIER 3 Official Trailer and Key Art World Premiere!! | In Theaters October 11, 2024 | Christmas Comes Early This Year 🤡🔪

Janel Spiegel 08/29/2024 News

In Theaters Nationwide October 11, 2024 The modern slasher icon Art the Clown returns to theaters this Fall with more scary fun! ***Tickets on Sale Wednesday, August 28th*** https://terrifier3.com/

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  Monday 19th August, London, UK: Freestyle Digital Media & Producer Lucas A. Ferrara are excited to share the trailer for award-winning new horror CHILDREN OF THE PINES, which will …

*New Poster & Clip* The Deserving | A Mute Serial Killer Is Haunted By His Victims In Upcoming Horror

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“FROM” Season Three on MGM+ starring Harold Perrineau from “Lost”- Season Premieres Sunday September 22, 2024 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

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Mike Joy 08/26/2024 News

Get ready for the new LGBTQ psychosexual thriller FERAL starring Fawn Winters (We Are Wolves) and Eunoia Sonders. This will be Director Rich Mallery’s 10th …

QUADRANT is the 400th release from Full Moon Features

Janel Spiegel 08/24/2024 News

  QUADRANT is the 400th release from Full Moon Features and marks the first in their edgy new Pulp Noir production label. Directed by none other than Charles Band, this film promises a …

STREAM is in Theaters Today

        The games begins now … The Keenan family’s simple weekend getaway turns into a vacation to die, as four deranged murderers turn …

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Janel Spiegel 08/23/2024 News

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Mike Joy 08/23/2024 News

New Indie Thriller, “Without a Name” directed by Emmett Loverde has a new trailer featuring the song, “This Means War” by Fang. Fang is an …

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Z DEAD END is a new horror film from director, Robert Resto and stars Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th franchise), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), Robert …

8th Annual Scumdance Film Festival: A Unique Celebration of Strange and Unusual Underground Cinema Returns to San Francisco

Prepare to enter a world of bizarre underground movies as the 7th annual Scumdance Film Festival returns to The Lost Church SF (988 Columbus Avenue, …

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Our horror movie title generator is a creative and user-friendly tool designed to spark inspiration for filmmakers, screenwriters, and enthusiasts alike. By inputting a genre or a few key words, users can receive a variety of inventive and fitting titles for their upcoming projects. This tool uses a sophisticated algorithm that blends linguistic patterns and industry trends to produce unique and compelling titles. Whether you're stuck in a creative rut or just looking to brainstorm, this generator is an excellent resource to expand your ideas and explore different thematic possibilities in a fun and effortless way.

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