Glenn Marte
Cosmic horror, a subgenre of horror literature and media, stands as a unique testament to humanity’s fascination with the unfathomable and the unknown. Rooted in the works of writers like H.P. Lovecraft and later extended to films, TV shows, and other forms of storytelling, cosmic horror delves into the existential dread evoked by the insignificance of humanity in the face of vast and incomprehensible cosmic forces. This essay explores the origins, characteristics, and enduring appeal of cosmic horror, as well as its reflection of deeper human anxieties.
Origins and Influences
The foundation of cosmic horror can be traced back to the early 20th century and the works of H.P. Lovecraft, who envisioned a universe indifferent to human existence. Lovecraft’s tales often depicted ancient cosmic entities—such as Cthulhu, Nyarlathotep, and Azathoth—that defied human understanding and defied the laws of physics. These beings were beyond morality, operating on a scale and with motivations that lay beyond human comprehension. Lovecraft’s writing was heavily influenced by his own sense of cosmic insignificance, personal anxieties, and scientific discoveries of his time that were reshaping humanity’s understanding of the universe.
Characteristics of Cosmic Horror
1- Incomprehensible Entities: Cosmic horror thrives on the idea that there are entities and forces so beyond human understanding that merely encountering them can drive individuals to madness. These beings often defy known laws of reality and challenge the limits of human perception.
2- Existential Dread: Central to cosmic horror is the concept that humans are insignificant in the grand scope of the cosmos. The insignificance of humanity’s existence breeds a sense of helplessness and existential anxiety, as characters realize their powerlessness against forces that can easily extinguish their existence.
3- Limited Perspective: In cosmic horror, protagonists are often confronted with truths that are too vast for their minds to fully grasp. The horror stems from the realization that human perception is limited, and there are truths that, if known, would shatter one’s sanity.
4- Ambiguity and Uncertainty: Cosmic horror revels in ambiguity, leaving crucial details obscured and allowing readers or viewers to fill in the gaps with their own fears and anxieties. The horror often lies in what is left unsaid or unexplained.
5- Isolation and Alienation: Characters in cosmic horror often find themselves isolated—either physically or emotionally—from others. This isolation underscores their vulnerability in the face of cosmic forces that disregard human connection.
Enduring Appeal
The enduring appeal of cosmic horror lies in its ability to tap into primal fears and existential uncertainties that are part of the human experience. As our scientific understanding of the universe expands, cosmic horror remains relevant, serving as a reminder that even as we learn more about the cosmos, there will always be aspects beyond our comprehension. Moreover, cosmic horror challenges our anthropocentric view of the universe, forcing us to confront the possibility that we are not the center of creation.
Cosmic Horror in cinema
Cosmic horror has become a prominent genre in cinema, and it continues to captivate audiences. The greats of this genre not only entertain through scares, but they make movie-goers think. They challenge the very core of humanism and no fear is too cold or too brutal to explore. Here is a list of some of the greatest cosmic horror films:
In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
The Void (2016)
Annihilation (2018)
The Endless (2017)
Event Horizon (1997)
The Mist (2007)
The Innocents (1961)
Re-Animator (1985)
Glorious (2022)
Conclusion
Cosmic horror stands as a testament to humanity’s desire to explore the boundaries of its understanding and the depths of its fears. By confronting the terror of cosmic insignificance, the subgenre delves into philosophical and psychological realms that touch on the very essence of human existence. While rooted in fiction, cosmic horror reflects the genuine anxiety that arises when we confront the vastness of the universe and our place within it. Just as the cosmos remains an enigma, cosmic horror continues to captivate and haunt our collective imagination, reminding us that there are depths of fear beyond what we can grasp.
