Kapanlagi.com - Horror films no longer rely solely on jumpscares to scare viewers. Many modern films actually present psychological pressure, disturbing scenes, and a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the film has ended.
Some films are even said to leave trauma for the actors themselves. The emotional experiences during the shooting process have led several actors to report nightmares, mental pressure, and psychological exhaustion from deeply immersing themselves in their characters.
From stories of mysterious cults, family terror, to terrifying doppelgangers, this list of horror films is known for their intense narratives. Many viewers find it hard to forget the scenes as they feel so dark and emotionally disturbing.
1. Midsommar (2019)

Florence Pugh in the film Midsommar, which presents psychological horror (credit:imdb)
The film Midsommar follows the journey of a young couple who attend a summer festival in the Swedish countryside. Initially, the atmosphere seems peaceful and beautiful, but it slowly transforms into a ritual filled with violence and psychological terror.
Florence Pugh, who plays Dani, admits to deeply immersing herself in her character's emotions during filming. She even stated that she put herself in a very dark mental state to achieve maximum emotional performance.
Actor Jack Reynor also revealed that he had to maintain his mental health during the filming process. Meanwhile, Will Poulter confessed to experiencing terrifying nightmares while involved in the production of the film.
2. Hereditary (2018)

Hereditary is known as one of the most disturbing family horror films (credit:imdb)
Hereditary tells the story of a family haunted by a series of tragic events after the loss of a family member. The film evolves into a psychological horror filled with emotional pressure and disturbing scenes.
Alex Wolff, the lead actor, admitted to experiencing something like PTSD after filming was completed. He mentioned that many scenes from the film continued to haunt him, making it difficult for him to sleep at night.
This film by Ari Aster is known for its dark atmosphere and intense emotional pressure. Many viewers have described it as more mentally frightening compared to regular horror films that rely solely on jumpscares.
3. It Chapter Two (2019)

The figure of Pennywise in It Chapter Two is described as very terrifying (credit:imdb)
It Chapter Two brings back the figure of Pennywise who terrorizes the members of the Losers Club after 27 years. The adult characters are forced to confront their unresolved childhood traumas.
James McAvoy revealed that Bill Skarsgård's performance as Pennywise gave him nightmares during the filming process. One of the dreams he remembers most is when Pennywise appeared at the foot of his bed whispering something softly.
This film combines clown horror with past psychological trauma. The intensifying terror creates an uncomfortable atmosphere throughout the film until the end of the story.
4. Suspiria (2018)

Suspiria presents artistic horror with a dark atmosphere (credit:imdb)
Suspiria focuses on a famous ballet company that harbors terrifying secrets about black magic practices. A young dancer becomes entangled in a dark mystery that gradually destroys her life.
Dakota Johnson admitted to needing therapy after finishing the filming of this movie. According to her, the dark themes presented in the story can linger even after the production process is complete.
This film by Luca Guadagnino is filled with disturbing visuals and a surreal atmosphere that weighs on the viewer's mind. Its horror is built through an unsettling feeling that slowly evolves into a nightmare.
5. Mother! (2017)

Mother! presents symbolic horror with a chaotic atmosphere (credit:imdb)
The film Mother! depicts the life of a married couple that becomes chaotic after their home is visited by mysterious guests. The situation gradually escalates into brutal chaos that is hard to predict.
The story of this film is full of symbolism about the destruction of the earth and the exploitation of humanity. Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem serve as the emotional center in this film filled with relentless tension.
Many viewers felt uncomfortable because this film creates an atmosphere of chaos that continuously intensifies. The scenes are said to be so intense that some people felt emotionally drained after watching.
6. Us (2019)

The film Us presents a chilling doppelganger concept (credit:imdb)
The film Us follows a family vacation that turns into a nightmare when they are terrorized by mysterious doppelganger figures. The presence of the doppelgangers brings forth fears from the closest things to oneself.
Jordan Peele builds the story with themes of trauma, guilt, and hidden social pressures. The film presents many surprises along with symbolism that keeps the audience thinking long after it ends.
The horror atmosphere in Us does not only come from frightening scenes. Psychological tension and identity mystery are the main strengths that make the film feel impactful.
7. The Witch (2015)

The Witch is known for its quiet folk horror atmosphere (credit:imdb)
The Witch is set in New England in the 1630s and follows a religious family living in isolation. Their lives begin to unravel after their child mysteriously disappears. The film relies more on a creepy atmosphere than on jump scares.
Tension is built slowly through paranoia, religious fanaticism, and increasingly horrific family conflicts. Anya Taylor-Joy's performance becomes one of the highlights of the film. The dark visuals and quiet atmosphere make many viewers feel uncomfortable throughout the story.
8. Popular Q&A About Trauma-Inducing Horror Films
Q: What is the most disturbing psychological horror film?
A: Midsommar and Hereditary are often cited as the most disturbing psychological horror films due to their emotional pressure and intense scenes.
Q: Why can horror films cause trauma?
A: Horror films can trigger trauma because they present extreme visuals, mental pressure, and emotional themes that feel realistic to viewers.
Q: Is Midsommar scarier than Hereditary?
A: Both have different approaches. Hereditary focuses on family trauma, while Midsommar features cult horror with bright yet disturbing visuals.
Q: Which horror film stressed its actors during filming?
A: Florence Pugh in Midsommar, Alex Wolff in Hereditary, and Dakota Johnson in Suspiria reported experiencing psychological pressure during the filming process.
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(kpl/vna)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.