Today’s post comes from tons of hours spent consuming a variety of horror content over the past year.
At first glance, it’s easy to think “evil” is all bad, but I have noted some things that actually make “evil” a considerate entity. I mean, it’s not 100% considerate. It is evil. We’re supposed to hate it. We’re supposed to be scared of it. It is the ultimate villain. But when you do a thorough investigation into the very nature of “evil” in its role in the horror genre, you realize it has some positives. A lot of times, “evil” is surprisingly considerate.
*All of these points address movies and full-length novels. Shorter works do not apply. In shorter stuff, “evil” isn’t likely to be considerate at all. It’ll just come after you like a crazy ex that refuses to get over you.
With that said, let’s go…
1. “Evil” will allow you at least one full night’s sleep and a good meal.
Sure, there might be some opening scene where someone is brutally assaulted in some way. This is how the viewer/reader knows “evil” is a threat. But as far as you are concerned, everything is wonderful in the beginning. Often, it’s bright and sunny. People are lively and happy. Sometimes, you might get a warning that something is “wrong”, but it doesn’t affect you right away. You usually get a nice, full dinner and one night of evil-free, uninterrupted sleep. I think it’s rather considerate that “evil” will allow you to be comfortable before it beats the crap out you.
2. Sometimes, “evil” will make your life easier by eliminating your enemies.
We all have enemies. These are the people who make life a living hell for you in one way or another. “Evil” will go out of its way to go after these enemies for you. Now, you don’t have to go through the trouble of getting revenge yourself. “Evil” does the dirty work for you. Sure, “evil” will be coming after you later on, but at least you get the pleasure of seeing your enemies eliminated first.
3. “Evil” can make you into a hero.
Most of the time, you are the only one who sees that “evil” is a threat. Everyone else around you will think you’re nuts. They’ll ignore all of your warnings. They’ll call you crazy. They might even call a therapist for you. But then, “evil” will get to be such a big threat that they will be forced to admit you are right, and when they do, they will come running to you for help. You are now a hero.
4. “Evil” wants children to be seen AND heard.
While other genres tend to take a “children should be seen and not heard” approach, horror understands that children have something valuable to offer. Children, especially small ones, are given some unique insight that offers them protection that adults don’t get. Sometimes children will share this insight with you. If so, your chances of survival improve greatly. So listen to the children. “Evil” has a special place in its black and bitter heart for the little ones of the world. And who doesn’t like children?
5. “Evil” lets you know it’s coming.
The most considerate thing “evil” does is let you know it’s on its way. It doesn’t come at you all at once. It gives you time to prepare for it. Sure, you have to do your research, which might be difficult for those who hate studying, but “evil” at least gives you the opportunity to overcome it. If you can arm yourself successfully against the “evil”, you will become a smarter person, and this will make you a better version of yourself.
Has anyone noticed any other way where “evil” is considerate in horror movies and books? If so, I’d love to hear them!
I’m really curious what movies and books you were watching and reading this past year. I would love to compare notes.
As for works where evil is considerate, the one that immediately comes to mind is the Japanese novel series (and its adaptations, especially the anime) Overlord, where the main character ends up in another world as his video game avatar…which so happens to be a powerful undead ruler of an army of evil beings. He’s very considerate for a bad guy.
I’ll have to write them down. Then I’ll let you know what I’ve been reading and watching. The audiobooks have really boosted things since I can listen to them while walking and doing chores around the house. Comparing our lists would be fun.
I haven’t seen many Japanese stuff, and the only novel I read was the one you recommended years ago that involved the high school students trying to be the last survivor. Was it called Battle Royale?
That’s the one!
I have my list. I didn’t realize I’ve been reading so many books.
Books (all in audio form by my local library)
Horror Movie: A Novel by Paul Tremblay
The Watchers by A.M. Shine
A Midsummer Night’s Scream by R.L. Stine
Too Scared to Sleep by Andrew Duplessie
The Call by Peadar O’Guilin
Nightfall by Jake Halpern and Peter Kujawinski
Edgeland by Jake Halpern and Peter Kujawinski
Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch by Codie Crowley
You Will Be Mine by Natasha Preston
Eventide by Sarah Goodman
The Taking by Dean Koontz
Ticktock by Dean Koontz
Dreamfall by Amy Plum
The Nightmare Man by J.H. Markert
House of Furies by Madeline Roux
House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
Small Favors by Erin A. Craig
Sleep Tight by J.H. Markert
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (I saw the movie, too, and the book is way better. I have not seen the Netflix version, though.)
Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson
No Place for Monsters by Kory Merritt
Midnight Rooms by Donyae Coles
The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig
Snow Drowned by Jennifer D. Lyle
Ebooks I listened to on my Kindle
Edges of a City (a collection of short stories from Layville) by Alan Crowder
Bad Candy (a collection of Halloween short stories from Sally Creek) by Alan Crowder
All of the Scareville books by John Ward (these are for Middle Graders)
Download the Dead by Stephen Barnard
Grievers’ Wood by Stephen Barnard
The Deleted by Stephen Barnard
Unlucky Numbers by Stephen Barnard
I’ve read other stuff by Stephen, too, but these were my favorites
Slashed: A Horror Romance Novella (Final Killer Book 1) by Thalia Sanchez (It went overboard on the sex, but the overall story was a fun read)
The Nightmare’s Kiss: a Monster Romance (Monster Research Facility Book 1) by Skyla Gray
The Fading Light by Alan Aspinall
Wicked Tongue by C. L. Schneider
Movies
It (2017)
Event Horizon
The Boogeyman (2005)
Dark Fields (Douglas Schulze’s version)
Tucker and Dale vs Evil
Needful Things
Night of the Living Deb
Dead Before Dawn
Blood Fest
Cooties (based on your recommendation)
Abigail (same as above)
Tragedy Girls
House at the End of the Street
Your Monster
Five Night at Freddy’s (1 and 2)
Shutter Island (thought it might fall more under suspense)
The Menu
It Follows is on my list (I remember you mentioning that at some point but it was a while back)
Death of a Unicorn is also on my To Watch list
TV Series
The Edge of Sleep
Bates Motel (huge fan of this one; I’ve watched the whole thing a couple of times now)
Supernatural
I’m familiar with several of these! Especially Horror Movie (that one is phenomenal). And John Ward is a friend of mine, as well as a fellow horror writer from Ohio. He’ll be delighted to know you’re enjoying his books.
Yes! Horror Movie was phenomenal. I’m glad I listened to the audio version.
I’m excited to find out you know John Ward! Yes, I enjoyed all of his books. I read them first in KU and then bought them all. I also reviewed them. I especially enjoyed all the Easter eggs in his series. It’s so fun to find out you know him!
He’s a great guy. I’ll let him know you’ve been enjoying his work.
Thank you!
You’re welcome