The entire genre of horror in any media comes with a plethora of subgenres, all taking their own twist on the subject. From psychological horror to found footage, every genre has a differentiating aspect from the rest that makes it unique enough to have its own name and category. Compared to the countless others, one genre stands out to me, and that genre is horror comedy.
To commend a very special horror comedy of high prestige, Jennifer’s Body (2009) is the epitome of a campy slasher. I’d suggest that this film is the prime example of what a horror comedy is, encompassing and embracing the genre for everything it has to offer.
Cinephiles have embraced the genre of horror comedy as multiple films have breached the Letterboxd-An online platform for discussing and rating films alike-“Popular This Week” categorical tab. Cut from the same cloth, they all follow a similar sequence of events: A charismatic bunch of protagonists are introduced in the first act, followed by a greater threat in the second act, dwindling down the cast until few remain to see the end of the film.
Critics might reduce this style down to “redundant” or “predictable”, but I feel as though each film has something new to offer, whether it be the fun cast or the strikingly original plot, making every experience in the theater one to remember. If you’re familiar with the genre by this point, stay awhile longer and hear me ramble about my top pick; spoilers ahead.
And for our number one spot..
Jennifer’s Body (2009), Directed by Karyn Kusama.
When someone brings up the topic of a horror comedy or Megan Fox in general, Jennifer’s Body should be the first thing that comes to mind. One of the founding fathers of horror comedy, Jennifer’s Body is a revolutionary film that transformed how other filmmakers approached the genre afterwards. The film is set in the McBling era of the early 2000s, littered with cultured references that anyone could recognize if they did enough homework.
Fox takes on the role of popular cheerleader, Jennifer Check, who dominates the school grounds with her alias alone.
Needy Lesnicky, Jennifer’s mousey other half, serves as the true main character with the story being told from her perspective. Her starring role flips the narrative on its head after Jennifer returns to Needy’s house one night soaked in blood after being taken under the wing of a band member who played at the bar the same night.
A concerned Needy pokes and prods Jennifer throughout the film as more disappearances occur, and it’s unfortunately revealed that Jennifer was sacrificed by the same band member who happened to serve as a cult leader on the side. The Jennifer we see after the first part of the film is just barely her. A shell of what she once was. Now a succubus with the goal of seducing men before turning them into her next meal. As awful as it sounds, you start to sympathize with Jennifer when the truth is revealed, which then turns into realizing the true meaning of this film.
It all ties back into the male gaze and how the mass sexualization of women is a dangerous thing more often than not.
This concept is exactly what makes up the comedy aspect of Jennifer’s Body as problematic as it sounds. The risque innuendos are used to lighten the mood and alleviate the tension that horror brings. At its core, the movie takes inspiration from chick flicks and intertwines it with horror by having her kill people for sport.
It’s something people need to fully grasp and realize before watching, or nothing that takes place in the film will click. Its extremely important theme and read-inbetween-the-lines storytelling is what has made it stand out from other films in my opinion, and a must watch for those who deeply analyze film making.
For as many pure horror movies there are, there have been an equal number of horror comedy movies as of late that I personally would like to commend: Bodies Bodies Bodies, Ready Or Not, Abigail, and Cabin In The Woods. All in all, the genre completely flips horror on its head. There’s the main objective of blending satirical elements with the prime example of a situation you’re meant to take seriously, stopping at nothing to whirl-wind your emotions throughout the film.
