Nerds That Geek Documentary Review – ‘Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

It is definitely safe to say that the horror genre is one filled to the brim with great history. For this genre has offered up some incredible tales over the years, the kind that have been groundbreaking and shocking. Not only because they offer up unparalleled terror, but also because they have changed how we tell stories. For this genre is now well known for leading the charge in regard to how to properly integrate social commentary on our modern world into the framework of a screenplay, something that has managed to influence generations of filmmakers to tell more cerebral tales. Which is quite incredible in its own right, since things that go bump in the night shouldn’t inspire others to create stories.
 
But they certainly found a way to do so, and as time marches on, and the genre finds itself under greater historical scrutiny, people have begun to examine parts of horror that have either been largely ignored or are not celebrated enough. And it just so happens that the horror streaming service Shudder, took the opportunity to dive into a genre related matter that definitely needs more attention, specifically, the contributions that Black people have made to horror by way of the fascinating documentary, Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror. Which is a film that quite frankly, delivers as advertised, since it does a phenomenal job of teaching the audience about the incredible contributions that Black creatives have made to the genre.
 
But what truly makes this documentary so incredibly fascinating, is the unique perspective that it offers to the audience. For few of us have ever really understood the cultural impact that horror films have had upon the Black community as a whole, which makes this a groundbreaking documentary for certain. Since it allows for the viewer to see iconic horror films and specific eras of horror in a whole new light, by having Black writers, actors, directors, producers and scholars offer their thoughts upon the genre and its missteps and successes. Which does help to educate the viewer on how racism and prejudice impacted the formation of some horror films and also how some of these stories helped to propagate long standing stereotypes.
 
Take for example the segment on Blaxploitation in this documentary. For this is an era of film that is often celebrated in popular culture as an awakening. Where African Americans took the center stage and broke down barriers that seemed impossible to shatter at the time. And while there is some merit to that, here we learn, from Black creatives; some hard truths about these films that aren’t discussed enough. In that, these stories really don’t take the time to expand upon Black culture as it really is, instead they bolster stereotype after stereotype, something that definitely gives the viewer great pause, since this is something that so many of us were unaware of, and the learning doesn’t end with this particular era of cinema either.
 
For this documentary also takes the time to examine some of the tropes that were invented in 1980s horror, such as how Black people often die in horror films quickly or serve as the savior of the white protagonist and this too, shines a new light on some horror classics. Since it helps us to remind us, that these films could have done and should have done better in regard to representation, and it is quite powerful to see these facts be put on display by way of poignant commentary. But while it is fascinating to learn all of this and gain an understanding of how Black people have been viewed in cinema and horror for decades on end, this documentary also makes sure to recognize that all of these genre related issues are starting to improve.
 
Because the stereotypes are finally being filtered out of Black horror films, and these stories are no longer being toned down or altered to appease white audiences and that’s huge and that’s uplifting and that makes this documentary supremely important. For it can help to ensure that the mistakes of yesterday aren’t made anymore, by putting said mistakes in the spotlight and giving them proper scrutiny. But what matters most, is that this documentary gives us the opportunity to listen and learn. Which is paramount right now and if by chance you haven’t seen this documentary yet, please do so as soon as you can. Because this is a powerful and poignant story, one that more people need to experience and learn from.
 
Stream ‘Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror’ on Shudder for free right now.

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