Horror noir

Horror noir (sometimes referred to as noir horror or hyphenated as horror-noir; lit. 'black horror') is a film subgenre that blends elements of both horror and noir. It combines the dark, atmospheric qualities of noir with the suspense and fear typical of horror, creating a hybrid genre that integrates aspects of both. These films typically feature a mysterious or unsettling atmosphere, often centering on psychological drama, tension, and darker thematic elements, particularly those related to crime and its consequences (often depicted in crime dramas, which explore criminal activity and its effects). Common themes include corruption, deception, isolation, alienation, violence, revenge, paranoia, and the unknown, all presented through the visual style of film noir. Horror noir often follows protagonists who face not only external threats, like supernatural forces, but also internal struggles.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

A film genre of this type invites the audience or is meant to experience fear, suspense, and anxiety, often through supernatural or psychological themes. It encourages viewers to confront their deepest anxieties and explore the darker aspects of human nature, often through intense, unsettling situations. It typically aims to provoke an emotional response, whether through shock, terror, or a sense of unease, while also challenging societal norms and exploring taboo subjects. Unlike traditional noir, horror noir incorporates supernatural or occult elements, introducing unexplained and unseen events into the dark, shadowy settings typical of noir. The genre may include graphic violence, often linked to themes of revenge or retribution. This violence usually serves as a manifestation of deeper psychological or moral struggles within the characters.^[6][7]

Films described as horror noir films include Among the Living,^[8] The Mask of Diijon,^[9] The Night of the Hunter,^[10] The Phantom Speaks, The Red House,^[11] The Spiral Staircase,^[12] or, more recently (among what may be called neo-noir horror films), Blood Simple,^[13] Shutter Island, Lost Highway, and Mulholland Drive.^[14][15]