Addams Family Values: In a world in which diversity, eccentricity and difference is increasingly othered, Barry Sonnenfeld’s sequel is perhaps one of the most subtle yet biting critiques of traditional family values, white supremacy and historical revisionism. Photograph: Paramount
Halloween is a time to explore what might, despite appearances, be the most political of genres – horror. Operating on various levels, horror films tap into our fears and – unlike the real-world horrors unfolding across our social media feeds and on news websites – provide a safe space with clear limitations and demarcations for exploring our hidden traumas and darkest taboos.
As one of the most effective and succinct forms of social commentary, the horror film evokes universal and timeless fears in contemporary settings. And in horror, everything is on the table – including politics. (This is an approach not advocated by American author Mark Twain, who exclaimed how one should “Never discuss politics or religion in polite company”. While one could accuse horror of many things, thankfully, polite is not one of them.)
Because horror is inherently political.
Continue Reading on The Irish Times
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.