The Rise of Aural Horror: How Sound is Redefining the Scariest Movies
The horror landscape is shifting. While jump scares and visual gore will always have a place, a new breed of terrifying cinema is emerging – one that prioritizes sound design as its primary weapon. The buzz surrounding Ian Tuason’s undertone, an A24 release, isn’t about elaborate special effects or a star-studded cast; it’s about what you hear. This signals a potentially significant trend: the elevation of aural horror to the forefront of the genre.
Beyond the Jump Scare: The Psychology of Sound
For decades, horror has relied heavily on visual cues to elicit fear. But research in psychology demonstrates that sound often has a more primal and immediate impact on our brains. A study by the University of Sussex found that sound is more effective than visuals at triggering the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. This isn’t simply about loudness; it’s about the type of sound. Unpredictable noises, dissonant frequencies, and subtle auditory illusions can create a sense of unease and dread that visuals struggle to replicate.
Think about the iconic screeching violin in Bernard Herrmann’s score for Psycho. It wasn’t the stabbing itself that was most terrifying, but the sound that accompanied it. More recently, films like A Quiet Place (2018) brilliantly exploited the absence of sound, making even the smallest noise a source of intense anxiety. Undertone appears to be building on this foundation, using a layered soundscape to create a deeply unsettling experience.
The Indie Horror Revolution and Sound Design
The rise of aural horror is particularly noticeable within the indie horror scene. A24, the distributor for undertone, has consistently championed films that prioritize atmosphere and psychological tension over traditional scares. This aligns with a broader trend of independent filmmakers experimenting with innovative sound design techniques.
This isn’t just about artistic choice; it’s often a matter of budget. Elaborate visual effects can be expensive, while compelling sound design can be achieved with relatively modest resources. This allows indie filmmakers to create truly terrifying experiences without breaking the bank. The success of films like It Follows (2014), with its haunting synth score, demonstrates the power of minimalist soundscapes.
The Future of Immersive Horror Experiences
The trend towards aural horror is likely to accelerate with the development of new technologies. Dolby Atmos and other immersive audio formats are becoming increasingly common in cinemas, allowing filmmakers to create truly three-dimensional soundscapes. This opens up exciting possibilities for manipulating the audience’s perception of space and creating a more visceral and terrifying experience.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) also hold immense potential for aural horror. These technologies allow filmmakers to create fully immersive environments where sound can be used to manipulate the user’s sense of presence and create a truly terrifying experience. Imagine a VR horror game where the sounds of a monster are constantly shifting and evolving, making it impossible to pinpoint its location.
Case Study: Hereditary (2018) and the Power of Subtlety
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is a masterclass in aural horror. While the film features disturbing visuals, much of its terror stems from its unsettling sound design. Subtle, almost imperceptible sounds – like the clicking of tongues or the rustling of leaves – are used to create a sense of dread and foreboding. The film’s score, composed by Colin Stetson, is equally unsettling, featuring dissonant brass and unsettling vocalizations. Hereditary demonstrates that aural horror doesn’t have to be loud or bombastic to be effective; it can be subtle and insidious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is aural horror?
- Aural horror is a subgenre of horror that prioritizes sound design as its primary means of creating fear and suspense.
- Why is sound so effective in horror?
- Sound has a more primal and immediate impact on our brains than visuals, triggering the release of stress hormones and creating a sense of unease.
- Are expensive special effects necessary for good horror?
- No. Compelling sound design can be achieved with relatively modest resources, making it a popular choice for indie horror filmmakers.
- How will technology impact aural horror?
- Immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, as well as VR and AR technologies, will allow filmmakers to create even more visceral and terrifying aural experiences.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of horror? Explore our comprehensive guide to upcoming and classic horror films and share your thoughts on the future of scary movies in the comments below!
Worth a look