Ep 4. The Demons Inside

In episode four of Eli Roth's History of Horror season one, titled "The Demons Inside," the focus turns to the psychological and supernatural horror subgenres.

The episode begins with a discussion on the history and evolution of psychological horror in popular culture, including classic films like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" and Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining." Roth interviews experts and horror filmmakers to delve into the nature of fear and how to effectively communicate it on screen.

From there, the episode moves into the world of supernatural horror, exploring tropes like possession, exorcism, and haunted houses. Roth speaks with horror heavyweights like Jason Blum and John Landis about their experiences with the genre and their opinions on what makes it so enduringly popular.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a myriad of iconic clips from both classic films and modern works, showcasing the range and diversity of the horror genre.

But it's not all scare tactics and jump scares - the episode also explores the deeper themes and psychological effects of horror. Experts discuss the cathartic nature of watching horror films and how they can be used to explore topics like trauma, grief, and mental illness.

Overall, "The Demons Inside" is a thought-provoking and engaging look at two potent subgenres of horror, and their impact on popular culture and the human psyche. Fans of horror will find plenty to love here, while those new to the genre will get a fascinating crash course in what makes it so compelling.