Horror films may not be the most critically acclaimed genre, but T.J. Tranchell, a faculty member and student media adviser, said he thinks they are more influential than they are given credit for.
“They’re the movies that we can actually look at real humanity in extreme situations, but still get to the point of how people actually react,” he said.
At Vandals After Dark’s Fright Night, three of these films have the chance to see the big screen in Moscow, Idaho.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 Saturday in the Borah Theater, offering an alternative to “going out and drinking,” said Vandal Entertainment’s Late Night Programs Chair Ryan Donahue.
Donahue said Tranchell will give commentary between each film.
“I have this thing where I have kind of always wanted to be Rod Serling or Alfred Hitchcock and be the guy that gets to stand up there and tell people why they should be watching something,” Tranchell said.
Tranchell, born on Oct. 31, said he has always been partial to the horror genre. He said he thinks it is a healthy way for people to experience primal fear.
“Because we’re not necessarily in danger of being eaten, we have to get that instinctual fear drive out, and doing it in a community setting at a horror movie is probably the best way to do it,” he said.
Both “Purge: Election Year” and “VVITCH” came out this year, but Tranchell said he doubts many have seen them since the local theaters don’t generally play horror movies.
Tranchell said the horror movies, “Purge: Election Year,” “VVITCH” and “American Mary” have worth beyond inspiring fear.
“There’s a lot of these other like societal themes in all three of these films that make them more valuable than just seeing a bunch of people scream and run and get killed,” he said.
The first film playing, “Purge: Election Year,” is the third in a series. Donahue said it was chosen because of its relevance and social commentary. Tranchell said it is one of the best-timed horror movies he has seen in a while.
“They really hit some timely topics, and I think it’s great to show people that a horror film can be frightening and still say something about the world we live in,” he said.
Tranchell said the second film, “VVITCH,” is different from most horror films. He said when it came out there was much controversy around it and Satanist groups claimed it as theirs. However, he said it can be viewed through the lens of a family losing their Christian faith and how that affects them.
“Probably one of the best movies I’ve seen this year and as far as a horror movie goes,” he said.
“American Mary” is about a young female college student who can’t afford to pay her tuition. Tranchell said there are many feminist themes. Donahue said they chose “American Mary” because Tranchell is passionate about the film and knows the directors. Tranchell said the film, goriest of the three, will be the last shown.
Donahue said he likely will plan a similar event for Fall 2017.
Nina Rydalch can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @NinaRobin7