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Sudden unexpected event meant to startle the audience. This technique utilises the element of surprise to induce a rush of adrenaline, creating immediate terror.

Utilizing irregularities in lighting to create a sense of instability and disorientation. This effect makes scenes appear more menacing and unpredictable.

Refraining from showing the source of fear directly, allowing the audience's imagination to create something even more frightening. This evokes fear of the unknown and unseen.

Graphically depicting violence, bloodshed, and mutilation of the body to elicit a strong emotional reaction from the audience. This taps into the innate fear of bodily harm and death.

Using the innocence of a child as a contrast to malevolent behavior. This subversion of expectations can create unease as it plays against societal norms regarding the innocence of children.

Hints or clues that suggest future events in the story, often implying or predicting bad occurrences. Heightens anticipation and creates foreboding as the audience speculates about coming dangers.

Uses mental and emotional states to instill fear, often through complex characters and twisted storylines. Engages with inner fears and can lead to a sense of unease or existential dread.

Incorporating symbols and themes from religious texts and practices to suggest a battle between good and evil. Can create a sense of sanctity being violated and evoke primal fears.

Using the basement setting to evoke dread and the feeling of descending into the unknown or into danger. Basements are often depicted as places where dark secrets or threats are hidden.

Using color intentionally to evoke certain emotions or themes, such as red for blood or danger. Colors can subtly influence the mood and add layers of meaning to shots.

Employing eerie or discordant sounds to unsettle viewers and create an atmosphere of tension. Soundscapes can be as influential as visuals in crafting a horror setting.

A phenomenon where something is almost human but not quite, causing a sense of unease or revulsion. This can be used with characters or visuals to instill discomfort.

A camera technique where viewers see through the eyes of a character. This immerses the audience, often making them feel like they are in the character's place, facing the same threats.

Placing characters in remote or confined locations to intensify the feeling of helplessness and vulnerability. It heightens the suspense by limiting the characters' options for escape.

A moment when a character looks into a mirror and sees something startling behind them. This trope plays on the universal tension before revealing a reflection and can surprise viewers.

A character whose credibility is seriously compromised, leading the audience to question the truth of what is being depicted. Adds layers of mystery and can complicate the perception of fear.

Building a mood and setting that evokes suspense over time, often using music, lighting, and set design. Helps to create a feeling of dread and foreboding, keeping viewers on edge.

Incorporating visuals that are unsettling or uncanny to create discomfort or revulsion in the audience. These images can linger in the mind and contribute to the horror long after they're shown.

A storytelling principle that suggests that events or characters introduced in threes are more satisfying. In horror, this can be used to build tension before a scare.