by Sophia Tran (’24)

“Letters on Friday the 13th” provides an introspective analysis of horror films from the most classic Hitchcock movies to the more modern works like The Conjuring. Each issue will critically analyze one horror film and discuss how filmmakers employ psychological concepts to engage the audience. A union between both psychology and cinematography, this column aims to redefine viewers’ perceptions of the horror genre.

Letters on Friday the 13th: “Five Nights At Freddy’s” reaffirmed my childhood nightmares

by Sophia Tran (’25) | March 22, 2024 My first exposure to the video game Five Nights at Freddy’s began four years ago. As a thirteen-year-old, I watched my younger brother tap furiously on his mouse and squeal in terror as a humongous yellow chicken animatronic jumped onto his screen. At a glance, Five Nights…

Letters on Friday the 13th: an exploration of the subconscious and unconscious human mind in “Psycho”

by Sophia Tran (’24) | March 1, 2024 This article contains spoilers.  We’re going back sixty years to one of the most classic horror films in history: Psycho (1960). One of Alfred Hitchcock’s most controversial and famous films, Psycho sets the stage for a future generation of psychological thrillers. It would be a crime to…

Letters on Friday the 13th: born a killer or forced to become one?

by Sophia Tran (’24) | February 2, 2024 This article contains spoilers. When a sweet Southern teen is able to scare you with her two-minute long smile, you know it’s going to be a memorable film. The 2022 horror film Pearl introduced to me my first pitchfork-wielding teen killer with a boatload of family drama.…

Letters on Friday the 13th: grief and denial in “The Others”

by Sophia Tran (’24) | November 17, 2023 Warning: Spoilers Included People tend to say, “If you believe in something hard enough, it will come true.” Unfortunately, wishes fail to revive the dead in the 2001 horror film The Others. A film with an unexpectedly heartbreaking twist and fraught with gaslighting, this underrated psychological thriller…

Letters on Friday the 13th: a haunting relic

by Sophia Tran (’24) | October 6, 2023 Imagine this scene. You are in the middle of a wooded forest in New Jersey with your camping knapsack strapped to your back. You are surrounded by six other teenage camp counselors, all cooped up in a secluded summer camp ground. Oh, and there’s a serial killer…