Hillbilly Horror
The “Hillbilly Horror” genre is a unique and often unsettling subcategory of horror films that delves into the fears and anxieties associated with rural backwoods America.
These movies typically feature isolated settings, such as desolate farmlands or forested areas, and involve characters who are cut off from the rest of society, often leading to terrifying encounters with deranged locals or monstrous entities.
One of the earliest and most influential films in this genre is “Deliverance” (1972), which tells the harrowing story of four city men on a canoe trip in the Georgian wilderness, where they encounter hostile locals and must fight for survival. The film is not only a suspenseful thriller but also a profound commentary on the clash between urban and rural America.
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974) is another seminal work that has left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Directed by Tobe Hooper, the film follows a group of friends who fall prey to a family of cannibals in rural Texas. Its raw and gritty approach to storytelling and its iconic villain, Leatherface, have made it a classic.
“Wes Craven’s “The Hills Have Eyes” (1977) presents a suburban family that becomes stranded in the Nevada desert, only to be stalked by a clan of deformed cannibals. This film explores the theme of civilization versus savagery and pushes the boundaries of on-screen violence and terror.
“Two Thousand Maniacs!” (1964) by Herschell Gordon Lewis is a lesser-known but equally impactful film in the genre. It features a Southern town that lures unsuspecting Northerners into its centennial celebration, only to exact gruesome revenge for the town’s destruction during the Civil War.
Other notable mentions include “Southern Comfort” (1981), a tense thriller about National Guardsmen training in the Louisiana bayou who encounter aggressive local hunters, and “Just Before Dawn” (1981), which involves a group of campers in the Oregon mountains being hunted by a psychopathic giant.
The Hillbilly Horror genre continues to evolve, with more recent entries like “Cabin Fever” (2002) and “Wrong Turn” (2003) adding new twists and turns to the familiar tropes of isolation, survival, and the fear of the unknown.
These films are not just about scares and gore; they often reflect societal fears and prejudices, challenging viewers to confront their own notions of otherness and the unknown. They remind us that sometimes, the most horrifying monsters are those that are all too human. For fans of the genre or those curious to explore it, these films offer a chilling glimpse into the dark side of the American wilderness.
© Colin Lawson Books