Contrapuntal Sound – this is sound that doesn’t match the action that is on screen. E.g. at the end of the ‘Orphan’ film trailer, before the sting... Conventions of a

psychological horror

The killer usually appears to be normal; there are not usually any physical signs that would identify the person as a killer.

Relies on the characters beliefs, fears, & any hidden truths about them or what they have done.

The audience rarely see the killers face; this helps to create mystery and increases the suspense in the film.

A disturbed, or tormented individual is the main antagonist, usually comes back to get revenge on their victims. The victims are usually female. The uses of children as the killers are also very popular e.g. The Omen.

The settings usually include: big houses, forests, warehouses, schools, and hospitals. These types of settings create realism for the target audience, having seen or been to these settings. This increases the fear for the audiences as hey begin to picture themselves in these positions.

There are flashbacks that take the audience back to see why the killer is disturbed and to explain what happened to them in their lives that has lead them to become mentally challenged.