The resurgence of misogyny-as-horror
Psychological horror, bodycams, and true crime all have one thing in common.
I've never gone to see a scary movie alone, but tonight I'll be watching Obsession solo for the second time in a week. It's that good (to me, personally.) This film feels more "for the girls" than any horror movie in over a decade.
Related: Part of what I love about the bodycam true crime genre is how it teaches as it entertains — like old-school Saturday morning cartoons, but for grown women. You can learn how to spot an abuser the hard way, by dating one, or you can watch one get arrested, then unpack the warning signs from the comfort of your desk. We empathize with the victim, we cheer when they're set free, and we make a mental note of all the overlooked, seemingly harmless behaviors that ended up trapping her in the first place.
I can't help but feel like that cautionary tale energy is part of what drove Obsession's frenzied popularity. I'd even go so far as to use the movie as a litmus test against potential abusers: "Who would you say is the 'villain' of this movie? Why?" If their argument is that, somehow, the protagonist is the real victim...run.