1. Lead 

• Set the scene
• Stat
• Introduce the trend

A group of young adults gather together in a darkened room. Phones off. Eyes glued to the TV screen. They are excited and the room is filled with nervous laughter. 

 2. Introduction to the Trend 

• Historical context
  • Popularity in the past (80s slasher films, 90s psychological thrillers, etc.) and its fluctuating success in Hollywood
• Current rise
  • How horror films, both mainstream and indie, have surged in popularity on streaming platforms, YouTube, and even social media. Include recent box office successes, viral hits, and critically acclaimed releases like Midsommar, Get Out, Hereditary, The Haunting of Hill House, and Smile
• Target audience
  • Millennials (ages 25-40) and Gen Z (ages 10-25) as the primary consumers driving this trend

 3. Background and Reasons for the Trend 

• Psychological and social factors :
  • Catharsis through fear
    • How watching horror movies allows people to confront anxiety in a controlled environment
  • Escape and thrill : Horror films provide an escape from everyday life, giving viewers the thrill of danger without real-life consequences. The rush of adrenaline makes horror films appealing.
• The influence of streaming platforms :
  • Accessibility
  • Algorithm
  • Social media

 4. Interview Insights: Expert and Fan Perspectives 

• Source 1 (Sioux City Film Festival director?)
  • Ask about the shift in the genre’s themes, from traditional monsters to more nuanced psychological horror and social commentary
• Source 2 (Dr. Werden?)
  • How horror movies have evolved to reflect societal fears and how they resonate with younger audiences. Ask about any emerging horror subgenres or trends (elevated horror, folk horror, etc.)
• Source 3 (student?)
  • Ask about their personal interest in the genre, favorite films, and how they engage with horror in a social context (watching with friends, streaming alone, social media engagement)

  5. Trend Manifestations 

• Indie horror rise
  • Focus on the growing success of indie horror films like A24’s offerings (Hereditary, The Witch), which blend arthouse and horror to appeal to younger, more discerning audiences. 
• The crossover of horror and other genres
  • Look at the blending of horror with comedy, sci-fi, and drama (Stranger Things, The Cabin in the Woods), making it accessible to wider audiences.
• Interactive horror
  • Mention the popularity of interactive horror-themed experiences, such as “choose-your-own-adventure” shows, or immersive horror events like haunted houses.

    6. Cultural Impact 

• Reflection of societal fears
  • How horror films now address real-world anxieties (climate change, identity, inequality) in a way that resonates with younger generations
• TikTok and viral moments
  • Highlight specific examples of horror-related viral content on TikTok (horror challenges, reactions to jump scares, or viral videos of reactions to classic scenes from older horror films).

    7. Conclusion 

• Future outlook
  • Focus on the future of horror in cinema and streaming
  • Will the trend continue to grow, or is this just a phase for younger generations? Discuss how technology and evolving social concerns might influence the genre’s future