It is true that the mythic “fairy-tale” horror film intends to take away the shades
of grey . . . . It urges us to put away our more civilized and adult penchant for analysis
and to become children again, seeing things in pure blacks and whites. It may be that
horror movies provide psychic relief on this level because this invitation to lapse into
simplicity, irrationality and even outright madness is extended so rarely. We are told we
may allow our emotions a free rein . . . or no rein at all.