Of all the horror movie sub-genres in existence, Cosmic Horror is perhaps the most mind-blowingly profound. Yet, equally, it's probably the most mislabelled.
After all, Cosmic Horror concerns events so unfathomable they operate beyond human comprehension and understanding. Or so it would seem.
In popular culture, Cosmic Horror, as a concept, is typically traced back to horror fiction writer H.P.Lovecraft, who defined the term as "the fundamental premise that common human laws and interests and emotions have no validity or significance in the vast cosmos-at-large."
Sounds relatively straightforward, right? Well, theoretically, in principle, yes. However, issues often arise when discerning between Cosmic Horror and Lovecraftian Horror. Because although both possess similar traits, they also share subtle differences.
Instead of explicitly associating with the cosmos, Lovecraft's interpretation: that cosmic horror involves profoundly existential phenomena, the gravity of which lies beyond our limits of human logic and sense of reality, is perhaps, far more fitting.
By this definition, here are six cosmic horrors that paralyze any sense of human cognizance and render us immobile to harrowing external circumstances far more significant than ourselves.
That sounds like my idea of movie night, baby!
Annihilation
In more ways than one, Natalie Portman's Annihilation eerily captures the spiritual essence of cosmic horror. Due, in large part, to the all-encompassing ecological enigma lurking at its epicenter.
Saturated in a thick smog of suspense, Annihilation renders humanity helplessly subservient to an ominous external presence alarmingly capable of complete, cataclysmic obliteration.
As its protagonists venture deep into the quarantined zone, curiously named "The Shimmer," an abstract alien world presents itself. Inside of which lies a profound cosmic horror, earth-shattering in magnitude.
Presenting an inexplicable threat of unquantifiable force, Annihilation leaves us pondering the profound, offering a surreal, hypnotically mesmeric sci-fi drama with freakily unfamiliar aesthetics and an other-worldly ambiance.
KUBRICKS A Space Odyssey
Standing tall, as a timeless movie monolith, there's no denying that Stanley Kubrick's profound space-faring phenomenon exhibits a remarkable feat of cinematic filmmaking.
After all, it ambitiously charts the primordial genesis of humankind. In 2001: A Space Odyssey, from ancient ancestral beginnings, we experience a deliriously mindbending, time-defying tour of humanity's past and future evolution.
As humanity takes terrifying technological strides forward, we, the viewer, are forced to face a series of profound existential quandaries. Questions that lie at the beating heart of who we are.
Will the human race ever truly utilize its intelligence? Or, as fate may decide, are we destined to self-destruct amongst ourselves?
Furthermore, following HAL's demise, how will artificial intelligence factor into our future? And what of the prodigal Star Child? Does Bowman's final transformation signify a transcendent chapter in human history or its untimely end?
I guess only Sir Stanley and Arthur C.Clarke can answer that for us.
The Mist COSMIC HORROR
Very few films can capture the same sense of impending doom, unsettling atmosphere, and unimaginable external terror, on offer in Frank Darabont's masterfully suspenseful Stephen King adaptation.
Not only does an all-pervasive mist lurk ominously outside the supermarket walls. But more alarmingly, that said mist sinisterly conceals hellishly monstrous creatures manifesting as spine-chilling cosmic obscenities!
Yet more than the monsters themselves, it's the vague mystery shrouding the mist's omnipotent presence and the apocalyptic tone set in its wake that creepily creates the feeling of cosmic dread.
And please, by all means, do indeed stick around for that shocking finale!
The Endless COSMIC HORROR
Often bewildering, bizarrely ambiguous, and brilliantly cinematic, Aaron Moorehead and Justin Benson's mood-altering, science-fiction-based horror is at its most chillingly effective when confronting our inner worst fears of the unknown.
Besides, things we can't fully understand or fathom often maliciously infest our consciousness and trouble our psyche more than any underlying truth that may exist in relation.
Sustaining its sense of mystery throughout, we never do discover what truly transpired concerning the UFO cult? Nor do we learn of the mysterious presence occupying the woods? And what of the unexplained events surrounding the community's encampment? Not to mention the alarming aging process that consumes its occupants.
Existing somewhere in the ether, beyond the perceivable planes of human comprehension, The Endless makes clever use of its enigmatic premise and moody atmosphere to deliver a fatalistic, thought-provoking story that hits home on a psychologically scarring level.
In The Mouth Of Madness
As part of John Carpenter's classic compendium of practical fx horror, though lesser known than other entries, In The Mouth of Madness forms an essential watch for discerning genre fans. Especially those wishing to experience existential cosmic horror at perhaps its most conceptually pure.
Indeed, In The Mouth Of Madness may lack the imposing presence of Cthulhu. (Though there are plenty of sprawling tentacles and slimy abominations!). Yet despite this, Carpenter's supernatural, spiritual ode captures the essence of cosmic horror via thematically reminiscent, paranoia-producing Lovecraftian dread.
Brilliantly blurring the margins that divide fact from fiction, Carpenter surreally distorts reality to deeply disturbing degrees, hinting at demonic evil forces beyond all logic operating in plain sight.
And of course, expect some fantastic, old-school practical effects and genuinely ghoulish scares!
Pulse Cosmic Horror
Pulse presents a spookily surreal mystery thriller at its ghostly core, unraveled amidst an unsettling, darkly detached landscape of human loneliness. In essence, Kiyoshi Kurosawa's hauntingly foresighted tale offers an ever-topical, searing social commentary concerning online interaction and its isolating effects.
Bolstered by its other-worldly premise and an eerily absent sense of longing, Pulse delivers a psychologically harrowing glimpse at reclusive societal corners, suspensefully tapping into supernatural fears while highlighting a very human need for meaningful interaction.
Honorable horror mentions in the cosmic horror category include Cabin in The Woods, Event Horizon, Color out of Space, Uzumaki (2000).
Do digest our other horror feature exclusives concerning delightfully devilish demonstrations of body horror and practical effects in movies if you haven't already!
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