This week, the S'ya Mosha housemates faced their fears in a week that had them dealing with a lot of gore and horror. Their wager presentation involved creating a horror play that pushed them out of their comfort zones and tested their acting skills. Biggie praised the housemates for their creativity and dedication, which saw them win their wager. In line with the theme of the week "Face your fears", we have compiled a list of some of the most famous tropes in horror movies.
Victim falling while running
This is one of the most famous tropes in the horror movie genre. In most horror movies, there's always that victim who becomes clumsy while trying to escape from the villain and, in doing so, misses their step and falls over. More often than not, this leads to the end of their life. Another common variation of this trope is the victim tripping over an obstacle while being chased, adding to the suspense and tension of the scene. This trope has become a classic element in horror movies, adding to the thrill and anticipation for viewers.
Haunted house
A haunted house played a vital role in this week's wager as it became the centre for most of the gore that happened during the play. The housemates incorporated this element into their wager presentation. This basically involves a home that has had traumatic things happen in it, thereby making it a hub of paranormal activities. Other popular variations of the haunted house are haunted hospitals, asylums, and any other abode where a traumatic event has happened.
The image in the mirror
The disappearing image in the mirror trope not only appears in horror movies but also in thrillers. Sometimes it could be an entity in the movie or a figment of a character's imagination. Whatever the case may be, it creates a good jump scare for the character and the audience. This classic horror trope plays on the fear of the unknown and the idea of a distorted reflection.
The split up
"Let's split up …" This line has often been the kickstart to the horror that faces many characters in many of the genre's films. It became so popular that it has become a point of reference in modern horror flicks, where characters use it as a reason for the group to stay together to have a fighting chance if faced with any danger.
The harbinger
The harbinger is someone who usually warns of impending doom or danger, serving as a foreshadowing device in horror films. It could be the cashier at the store who spills the tea about the old home to the new homeowners, or the man in the store who tells the holiday campers some gory tales about the place they are going to call home.
The investigators
Just like McJunior and Willy's roles in the play, the detectives are characters who suspect foul play about certain incidents in horror movies and investigate these occurrences. They might be drawn into the mix by calls from other characters or simply from their investigations. The investigators often serve as the voice of reason in horror films, questioning supernatural occurrences and seeking logical explanations. Their presence adds a sense of realism to the storyline, making the audience question what is truly happening in the film.
Doors slamming shut
What's a horror flick without some slamming doors and windows? This often signals the presence of malevolent entities that the main character might have to tackle in the future. Sometimes it represents a character losing control over their reality, thereby feeling trapped in a loop of unending terror and fear. This sets the stage for a more threatening encounter and lays the foundation for a suspenseful and chilling story.
The last standing character
This is often the character that can overcome their fears and become victorious over the villain. The last standing character goes on a journey that sees them fight for survival, often tied to the hope of breaking free from the malevolent entities and escaping the loop of terror. This character's resilience and determination to face their fears head-on adds depth to the story.
The monster lives on
Most horror movies (not all) end with a survivor or group of survivors emerging from all the horror having defeated the villain of the story. However, there are a couple of movies that tend to end with a cliffhanger that sees the villain rise from the rubble or ashes, leaving the possibility of a sequel open for the future.
These tropes, though sometimes predictable, have held viewers spellbound and have also led to the creation of iconic horror movie franchises that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Image: Getty
Big Brother Mzansi season 4 is broadcast live 24/7 on DStv Channel 198, which you can stream here. Sunday eviction shows are at 18:00 on Mzansi Magic. To join the conversation on social media platforms, use the hashtag #BBMzansi and connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.