Fear is a natural and important reaction for our survival. It warns us when we are facing a threat and makes our body prepare for action: muscles tense, there is more sugar in the blood to give us energy, and hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released, which makes the heart and lungs work harder.
This “fight or flight” response is controlled by the amygdala, a region of the brain that does not differentiate between physical and emotional threats. In other words, when we feel fear, such as when watching a horror film, the amygdala activates automatic reactions, making our heart race and releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase our state of alertness.
Although fear is an instinct linked to danger, many people enjoy watching horror movies and scaring themselves on purpose because of the “post-fear relief”. When we feel fear, our body is on alert, but when it passes, like when watching a movie, our brain realizes that there is no real danger, and this causes a state of relaxation.
People who enjoy horror movies generally have neuropsychological characteristics that make the experience more pleasurable and immersive. With lower baseline levels of dopamine, they tend to seek intense stimuli to feel excitement, and horror movies, with their tension and adrenaline rush, provide this hormonal release in a safe and controlled way. In addition, a greater openness to new experiences allows these people to indulge in fantasy and imagination, immersing themselves in the emotions of the film without much resistance or skepticism. This “intelligent escapism” reflects an ability to disconnect from reality and explore the imagination, which makes the experience not only intense, but also a creative form of entertainment that engages the mind in new stimuli.
Ultimately, fear is a complex emotion that, despite its primary protective function, can be explored safely and pleasurably through experiences such as horror films. The search for intense emotions, the ability to disconnect from reality and the openness to new experiences contribute to some people finding this film genre a unique form of entertainment and exploration of their own minds.
