The Psychology of Horror Movies: How horror speaks to the subconscious

How does the horror genre reflect our deepest fears – of both the world around us and within ourselves? Do the monsters on screen act as mirrors, revealing aspects of humanity that we might otherwise avoid? From vampires and werewolves to slashers and body horror, this talk will sink its teeth into the meanings and theories behind some of our most beloved creatures and movies.

Join Katie Evans in tracing horror through the ages and how it reflects societal anxieties. We will explore why we are drawn to these films, our relationship with fear, and how we connect with the characters and narratives they present. Through a psychological lens, we will also examine how horror gives voice to our often overlooked stories. Whether you are a horror nerd, a film geek, or someone interested in psychology, this talk will offer a unique perspective on the horror genres.

Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

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Speaker Bio:

Katie Evans is a BACP-accredited therapist and self-confessed horror nerd. Her passion for all things spooky began in childhood and continued through her studies in music, film, and media at Liverpool University, before moving into the field of mental health. She holds advanced accreditation in GSRD Therapy (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity). In addition, Katie has presented at conferences across Europe and has spoken for organisations including The Maudsley, the British Psychological Society, The NHS, LGBT Foundation, and HMPPS, among others. She is also a registered guest lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. An advocate for using pop culture in psychotherapy, Katie previously hosted The Mental Health Monsters Podcast and continues to explore how fictional narratives – especially those from the horror genre – can help us better understand ourselves.

Testimonials from our guests

⭐ Truly riveting talks, always enjoy these - a great way to spend an evening with some pals. Already looking forward to the next one. - Alexander P 

⭐ Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S

⭐ Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - Daisy J

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Saïd Business School (Park End Street) (University of Oxford), Park End Street, Oxford, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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