Abstract
This paper examines two female driven body horror films that have emerged in the wake of, and as a potential response to, the overturning of Roe vs. Wade and the ramifications on bodily autonomy such an action has had on women living in America. This is achieved through a thorough investigation of Michael Mohan’s 2024 film Immaculate and the numerous issues it presents, including: the juxtaposition of actress Sydney Sweeney, whose public perception is often defined through sexual objectification, portraying a devout Nun who is forced against her will to birth a demonspawn; the Catholic Church as symbolic of patriarchy and male forces asserting control over women’s bodies; and the cathartic symbolism of the film’s end. Additionally, this analysis is supplemented by Arkasha Stevenson’s strikingly similar 2024 film, The First Omen, suggesting that Immaculate does not just exist in isolation, but may in fact be part of an emerging field of feminist body horror.
Presenters
Bryce BullinsAdjunct Professor, English/Film, The University of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Film Studies, Horror Studies, Feminism, Cultural Studies, Pop Culture
