Digesting the Abject: A Horror Menu

Words by Julianna Ilnicka

As the curator of ‘Adrenaline Junkie: Exploring Horror through Art and Digesting the Abject’, and in light of its fast approach, I really wanted to delve into some of the biggest cinematic inspirations behind the exhibition as well as some of my personal horror favourites. I thought the most exciting way to format these recommendations would be through a menu; with the lifelong relationship with horror being the full meal, the menu is a suggestive sequence of how best to consume, in order to fully appreciate each film. Each category is organised in order of release, with the year of origin where otherwise the price would be, but this is just to keep the menu better organised—do not feel pressured to watch films chronologically. Each film title is complimented with a brief summary of the flavour profile.

The starters’ section represents films which are lightweight in consumption and for people who haven’t interacted with horror to a high extent. They are lower in gore content, dread and have a much ‘campier’ feel than main courses or desserts, prioritising fun over quality. Most of this selection features modern films and therefore better fit the unanimous and contemporary idea of horror. Each of them, I believe, is a perfect appetiser.

The main courses, are ‘consume with caution’. They are more severe, umami, and harder to digest. Whereas the starters might be richer in jump scares, the main courses are far more focused on psychological intensity. This does mean however, that they are laden with ‘nutrients’, this being cultural meaning and extraordinary acting. Please note that the gore content is higher, but don’t let this put you off. If you do not feel ready, consume some more starters.

As they say, dessert after dinner, the desserts’ list would appeal most to those who’ve watched a good share of horror movies so that they can fully appreciate their taste profile. I’ve placed older movies there, which don’t necessarily fit the contemporary idea of what horror is, but are nonetheless masterpieces. Note the higher emphasis on practical effects and atmospheric feel. They are a treat!

I cannot claim to be a horror connoisseur—in fact there are a lot of iconic films I am yet to watch, and admittedly I gravitate towards mainstream media since its consumption is much easier, so apologies if this list is less than niche and comprehensive. Nonetheless, I hope you find the read worthwhile, and the selection, tasty.

Starters

Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Cannibalism.

Scream (1996)

Drew Barrymore, Ghostface, an implicit parody of horror tropes.

Coraline (2009)

A formative entrée, Coraline was for a lot of us, an introduction to horror. It masters stop-motion animation, implicit to the uncanny valley phenomenon of the movie, as well as its quality. Perhaps the reason it so effectively ‘traumatised’ our childhood selves was due to the divine writing of its characters, so rich in quirk and personality. There is a clear love for the genre and medium which the creators channelled into the film, in parallel with its beautiful soundtrack. Adrenaline Junkie will pay homage to Coraline through the use of green lighting during its opening night. Curator’s Pick

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Sapphic, grotty, Megan Fox.

The Conjuring (2013)

Supernatural.

Hush (2016)

Do not disturb.

Get Out (2017)

Gut feelings.

 IT (2017)

A frivolous child of its parent film IT (1990).

Happy Death Day (2017)

Groundhog Day (1993) but she dies each day—on her birthday.

Main Course

The Exorcist (1973)

Religious notes.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Chainsaws and family dinners.

Alien (1979)

Space, a feline, and gender-neutral-written female protagonist.

Possession (1981)

Divorce.

Saw (2004)

Saw is made out to be a incessantly gory, yet the first of the franchise is so tame I might even argue that it teeters on the edge of a thriller. I envy those who can still watch the movie spoiler-free for the first time- it is such an exciting experience. The act of watching it with someone who knows nothing is a close second. Admittedly, by the sequel, it grounds itself in horror with what I think is the most visceral saw trap—the needle-pit—hence I have placed it in the main course list and not the starters. The franchise is associated with low budget and seediness essential to the 2000s. Like Coraline, Adrenaline Junkie will take inspiration from the green lighting present in the movie. Curator’s Pick

The Descent (2005)

Claustrophobic.

The Mist (2007)

Subversive.

Hereditary (2018)

Cults and peanut allergies.

Desserts

Frankenstein (1931)

The Other.

Psycho (1960)

Oedipus complex I.

Carrie (1976)

Oedipus complex II.

Suspiria (1977)

Fantasy, witchcraft, ballet.

The Shining (1980)

The Shining to me is like a tall multi-layered cake. The first spoonful, the act of watching it, is delicious, but this taste is substantially complimented by the layers that follow. These layers are the analysis of the movie. I’ve read Stephen King’s reference book and can safely say that the film is better. Curator’s Pick

The Thing (1982)

The sublime.

Candyman (1992)

Chicago, bees, hooks & apparitions.

[REC] (2007)

Spanish found-footage.

Cabin in the Woods (2011)

An explicit parody of horror tropes.

The Substance (2024)

Beauty’s decline into abjection. “Pump It Up” by Endor.