FEAR [Feminism, Emasculation, Anger & Rage]: En queerteoretisk filmanalys av American Horror Story: Cult

Abstract

During the Trump-era we have seen an increase in political polarization. The alt-right movement has grown due to the normalization of extreme right-wing rhetoric and conspiracy theories. In relation to this the impact of the so called manosphere, and the toxic masculinity norms it stems from, has increased. Simultaneously, voices for equality and progress have risen as an adverse reaction. This development has been reflected in popular culture and movies, which becomes distinct in the horror genre. One instance of when this becomes particularly clear is in the seventh season of the tv-show American Horror Story. As such, this study aims to analyse that very season, named AHS: Cult, in relation to this development in society and the horror genre. Through interdisciplinary sciences such as gender, film and cultural studies, this analysis looks at what fears of western society are reproduced in contemporary horror films and how these stand in relation to the political climate today. The study concludes that themes from AHS: Cult reflect fears in today's western society. Through a horror scenario of radicalization, the season shows that fear breeds fear, and as such today’s horror films and society are closely linked together.