The horror genre, a realm of transgression and the exploration of the taboo, has long captivated audiences with its ability to push boundaries. Among the myriad of horror tropes, the portrayal of young, innocent children in mortal or moral peril, and the subversion of parental figures, have been enduring themes. However, a recent trend in mainstream horror films is adding a disturbing and intriguing twist to these classic archetypes. The films "Bring Her Back," "Weapons," and now "Lee Cronin's The Mummy" delve into the Evil Child and Dark Mother tropes, but with a unique and unsettling take.
In these films, the evil mothers are not the biological parents, but rather surrogate figures, preying on children they have no relation to. This subversion of the traditional mother figure adds a layer of complexity and moral ambiguity. The children, instead of being inherently evil, become pawns of a larger, malevolent force, challenging the audience's perception of innocence and morality.
This trend draws inspiration from fairy-tale and folklore tropes, particularly the witch archetype. The witch, often depicted as an older woman, is a recurring figure in horror, as seen in films like "Hansel & Gretel," "Snow White," and "The Witches." The hagsploitation subgenre, featuring older women who defy expectations of responsibility and trust, further enhances the theme. Laura in "Bring Her Back" and Gladys in "Weapons" embody this subgenre, showcasing how these characters subvert their age and the traditional roles associated with it.
The matriarch in "Lee Cronin's The Mummy," known as The Magician, presents a unique take on the classic 'psycho-biddy' film. She is not resentful of her age but embraces it in a fairy-tale-like manner, particularly when she captures young Katie with a poisoned apple. The Magician, along with the other characters, practices black magic and lures their child victims, but with sympathetic ulterior motives, making them more nuanced and grounded in reality.
The children in these films are not changed by evil but are replaced by it. The evil nature of the children can be traced back to the witch-like mother figures, inviting commentary on the effects of society, neighbors, and communities on the immediate family. This theme may reflect millennial panic about the state of the world, allowing these horror films to indirectly address the challenges of raising a child in a dangerous and violent environment, rather than confronting it head-on.
As the trend continues, it remains to be seen whether these films are pushing new boundaries to shock desensitized audiences or exploring deeper societal issues. "Lee Cronin's The Mummy" is currently in theaters, inviting audiences to question their perceptions of innocence, morality, and the impact of societal influences on the most vulnerable among us.
