INTRODUCTION
In this exhibit, we focus in on works of the eco horror genre that center around viruses and unnatural mutations. Much eco horror - really horror in general - relies on active threats and jump-scares to frighten the audience. With this sub-genre, many avenues are left open for stories featuring grander, less aggressive threats, moving these works from "horror" and more into "terror" and "dread". Stories like this often offer unique insights into the state of human society, as well. There are various angles that an eco horror story focused on disease may take on issues such as classism, society, and the human condition overall. The exhibit also takes advantage of the unique timelessness of the subject material by accessing a greater selection of works from more recent times- an advantage that not all types of eco horror can offer.
Fear
Diseases and unnatural mutations offer writers a unique choice when writing their antagonists or fiends for the story. The possibility of an active, horrifying threat is always open for the story. Infected individuals or tainted monsters can serve as the main driver of the story's source of fear. On the other hand, writers may choose to instill a slow, creeping sense of terror in their audience with the threat of an indifferent and inevitable wave of death or disease. Usually, writers employ both in some capacity. An infected monstrosity may be the main antagonist while a pathogen wiping out populations serves an equal amount of antagonism on a grander scale. This gives such stories a unique mix of fresh horror and underlying terror that has served as a staple for these types of eco horror works for decades.
Commentary
One of the main markers of the eco horror genre is its ability to reflect on humanity and oftentimes its relationship with the environment. Frequently, these stories feature a human antagonist that is responsible for the initial outbreak of the unnatural phenomenon. This is many times a critique of how corporations irresponsibly handle dangerous substances or how governments ineptly handle epidemics/crises. There is also a unique perspective to be offered on social justice with such stories. When diseases wrack large populations, social plights such as classism and racism can be observed and often intermingle with the hypothetical treatments of marginalized communities by authoritative figures (governments or otherwise).
Current Events
A lot of eco horror can seem outdated because the height of its popularity has passed. Modern technology has advanced to a point where we feel more understanding of the issues affecting the environment and how to start solving them. Gone are the days of fear mongering new technologies that seem archaic to us now. However, disease/outbreak horror rarely sees a decrease in popularity, and now, the topic is more relevant than ever with society still freshly feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For other eco horror sub-genres, most works are probably more dated, but this exhibit has the freedom of a larger selection due to the timelessness and appeal of viruses/mutations-related eco horror stories.