The Evolution of Horror The Evolution of Horror

EOH Revisited #3: The Evolution of Folk Horror with Becky Darke

Jul 30, 2026 · 2h 5m

Summary

Host Mike Munser and guest Becky Dark revisit the folk horror subgenre in this "EOH Revisited" episode. They discuss the genre's elusive definition, its core fears of rural isolation and ancient traditions, and analyze classics like The Wicker Man. The conversation also covers the evolution of folk horror from the 1970s to modern trends, including critiques of contemporary tropes.

Topics discussed

Sponsor segment and intro Defining folk horror and its core tropes Urban vs rural anxieties in folk horror The Folk Horror Chain and the Unholy Trinity Conspiracy, distrust, and dread in communities Authenticity, analog horror, and The Witch Folk horror as a mode vs genre and modern trends Political context of 60s/70s folk horror International folk horror: Japan and Sweden American exploitation and Deliverance Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Last House on the Left Australian folk horror and the landscape The Blair Witch Project as folk horror Modern folk horror and oversaturation Conclusion and sign off
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