“MIND FUCK” is a graphic design zine that delves into the depths of psychological horror through the lens of seven influential films from the last Century. Each page is a journey into the twisted minds of characters, exploring the darkest corners of human psychology.
Psychological horror is a subgenre of horror and psychological fiction with a particular focus on mental, emotional, and psychological states to frighten, disturb, or unsettle its audience.
(n.) Psychological Horror (psy-cho-log-i-cal hor-ror)
THE SHINING (1980)
The Shining follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring author and recovering alcoholic, to the Overlook Hotel in Colorado where he is interested in the job as their winter caretaker.
As the isolation and cabin fever kick in, Jack’s mental stability takes a turn, increasingly influenced by the demons lurking in his mind and the malevolent supernatural forces of the hotel. Meanwhile, Danny, Jack’s son, grapples with his own psychic abilities, known as “The Shining,” which unveil chilling secrets from the hotel’s dark and troubled history. While Jack descends further into madness, consumed by the sinister
influence, he becomes a threat to his family. However, they escape his murderous intentions, leaving Jack to confront his own twisted fate within the corridors of the Overlook Hotel’s foreboding halls.
“The Shining” delves deep into psychological themes such as isolation and madness, while also suggesting a deeper metaphorical interpretation related to the universal fear of family breakdown that was felt by many in the 70s/80s.
MISERY (1990)
Paul Sheldon, an acclaimed novelist, suffers a tragic car accident due to a freak blizzard on the way home from his hideaway in Colorado, luckily for him he is rescued by Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed “number one fan” who also happens to be a nurse.
Annie takes Paul back to her remote cabin to recover, informing nobody of his whereabouts. When Annie learns Paul is planning on killing Misery, her favourite heroine from his novels, things take a dark turn.
Annie turns controlling and violent, in an attempt to have Paul rewrite Misery’s path. While Paul is planning
his escape from Annie’s grasp, the local sheriff Buster is investigating Paul’s disappearance, with clues leading him to Annie’s cabin.
“Misery” explores themes such as isolation, madness, and addiction, and shows how horrifying human nature can be when obsession takes over.
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
Clarice Starling, a determined F.B.I trainee, is assigned to help find a missing woman and save her from a psychopath who skins his victims alive, referred to as “Buffalo Bill”. She is sent to the Baltimore State hospital for the criminally insane to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a once renowned psychiatrist, now infamous psychopathic serial killer.
Special agent Jack Crawford sees Hannibal Lecter as a potential asset and believes he may have answers to their questions and can aid them in finding the killer. However, to gain this information, Clarice must first gain the trust of Hannibal Lecter, and
expose herself emotionally to him as per his request.
“The Silence of the Lambs” explores themes of sexism, good vs evil, and manipulation, particularaly through the interesting relationship between Clarice and Hannibal.
THE OTHERS (2001)
Set in 1945, the film follows Grace who retires to a mansion in Jersey with her two children, waiting on her husband returning from the war.
Her children have a tragic disease, meaning they cannot be in direct sunlight, this leading to their life in isolation. Grace hires three servants including a housekeeper, a maid and a gardener, however their arrival is matched by mysterious happenings including a boy named Viktor that visits Anne, Grace’s daughter.
As Grace attempts to seek out these mysterious intruders she begins to question her sanity, until she has a
revelation about the house and the intruders.
“The Others” explores themes of isolation, religion, and perception and reality ultimately leaving the audience in paranoia, questioning the human psyche .
GET OUT (2017)
“Get Out” follows Chris, an AfricanAmerican man who is meeting his white girlfriend’s family for the first time. Chris expresses his hesitance of meeting Rose’s parents. However, upon arrival he is surprised to see African-American helpers around Rose’s parents house.
Rose’s mum, Missy, is a psychiatrist who specialises in hypnosis. She unexpectedly lures Chris into a trance while trying to eliminate his smoking habits, here she forces him to reveal the nature of his mother’s death and gives him a taste of “The Sunken Place”.
What begins as an awkward first time
meeting the parents, turns threatening as the motives of Rose’s family start to become clearer and Chris realises it’s time to Get Out.
“Get Out” explores themes of betrayal, trauma, and racism, confronting the audience with uncomfortable truths on the horror of societal prejudices.
HEREDITARY (2018)
“Hereditary” follows Annie Graham, who, after the death of her mother, finds her life unraveling amidst cryptic and terrifying occurrences.
Annie’s daughter Charlie, exhibits strange behavior and a disturbing connection to her grandmother. As the family delves deeper into their ancestry, they uncover a dark and sinister inheritance.
Annie’s family descend further into a nightmarish spiral of psychological terror and supernatural horror as more revelations come to light. As they confront their darkest secrets, they must grapple with the horrifying
realisation that some legacies cannot be escaped.
“Hereditary” explores themes of family trauma, inherited evil, and the breakdown of sanity in the face of the supernatural.
MIDSOMMAR (2019)
The story follows Dani who has just experienced a traumatic family loss. On a whim, she joins her boyfriend Christian and his friends on a trip to a remote Swedish village to attend a midsummer festival.
The group is initially enchanted by the idyllic and seemingly peaceful community, which celebrates ancient rituals and traditions. However, as the festival unfolds, Dani and her companions become increasingly disturbed by the villagers’ unsettling customs and the eerie atmosphere surrounding them.
As the days pass, Dani’s grief and
emotional vulnerability deepen and the true horrors lurking beneath the surface are revealed.
“Midsommar” explores themes of grief, trauma, and the manipulation of cult mentality, highlighting the complexities of human psychology and the allure of belonging amidst manipulation.
