34. Halloween Special (Part 2): What Makes Horror Scary?
What makes something scary?
In Part 2 of the 2026 Halloween special, I catch up with Holly Helprin to explore the kinds of fear we enjoy — and the kinds of fear that cross the line into something genuinely uncomfortable.
We talk about our personal experiences of horror and the films that have scared us, entertained us, or stayed with us long after watching them. We discuss why some horror is more enjoyable when experienced with other people, how horror can be subversive and challenge social norms, and how filmmakers use horror to explore discrimination, identity and social relationships.
We also explore some of the features that can make horror particularly effective, including:
- Suspense and uncertainty
- Jump scares and unexpected threats
- Isolation and the loss of safety
- Body horror and physical reactions
- Humour and comedy in horror
- The familiarity and predictability of horror conventions
- Social connection and shared fear
- Outsiders, belonging and social exclusion
- The subversion of innocence
- Representation and social commentary
Holly and I share some of our favourite horror films and the kinds of horror we find less enjoyable. We discuss films including Saw, Hellraiser, Halloween, Talk to Me, Hereditary, The Monkey, Get Out, and Evil Dead II, as well as childhood favourites such as Little Monsters, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, and Goosebumps.
Specific horror films and scenes are discussed, including some spoilers.
Specific horror films and scenes are discussed, including some spoilers.
We also talk about how our responses to horror can change over time. Something that terrified us as children can become funny or fascinating as adults, while other kinds of horror can remain deeply unsettling.
The conversation ends with Carrie, which brings together several of the themes we've discussed, including suspense, teenage isolation, belonging, safety and the role of gender and perspective in horror. Holly reflects on the different perspectives that have shaped the story, from Stephen King's novel to Brian De Palma's film adaptation.
About Holly Helprin
Holly Helprin is a researcher with expertise in youth mental health, program evaluation and culturally responsive methods. Outside of work and study, her special interest is horror films.
About Holly Helprin
Holly Helprin is a researcher with expertise in youth mental health, program evaluation and culturally responsive methods. Outside of work and study, her special interest is horror films.
A special Halloween contribution from Dr Will Dobud
The episode also includes a special contribution from Dr Will Dobud, who shares a story about Markoff's Haunted Forest in Maryland.
Will reflects on his experiences of the haunted forest, including taking his children there, and considers why being scared together can sometimes increase our sense of connection.
Sensitive content warning
This episode discusses horror, violence, bodily injury, stalking, murder, discrimination, social exclusion and other frightening or potentially disturbing content.
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B., Helprin, H., & Dobud, W. (2026). Halloween Special (Part 2): What Makes Horror Scary? (No. 34) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
Transcript
The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Holly Helprin and Dr Will Dobud.