Psychological horrors according to Wikipedia 'relies on the character's fears and/or abnormal psyche to frighten readers, viewers or players.' The first films that were cited as psychological horrors were 'The Black Cat' (1934) and 'Cat People' (1942). More well known psychological horrors that have defined the genre are 'Rosemary's Baby' and Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining' (1980).
Characteristics
Psychological horrors tend to be rather subtle in comparison to the traditional horror films stereotype in terms of less physical harm. They tend to play on archetypal shadow which is an idea referred to in Jungian psychology and the characteristics are embodied by threat. There is a running theme of something to do with sexual health and relationships between men and women mainly on the factors affecting the audience rather than displays of graphic imagery that is found in the slasher genres. There are often plot twists where the character commonly battles internally with subconscious desires. The audience experiences discomfort as they are exposed to common or universal psychological vulnerabilities and fears. They are notably part of the human psyche which is the totality of the human mind, conscious and unconscious which most people repress or deny.
Codes and Conventions
Weapons - the weapons used are not actual physical weapons but are supernatural and psychological. For instance, a killers twisted mind would be a weapon as it's what the victims fear. In a supernatural sense visions, jumpy moments and such are used as weapons of fear instead of an actual physical object such as a knife or axe that would be found in a slasher film.
Settings - some main settings that has become a theme in the sub genre are big houses, forest/woods, warehouses, schools and hospitals. As these settings are places that everyone can access and are part of everyday lives it creates a sense of realism. The audience feels more scared as they can relate and can imagine themselves in the settings.
Characters - the antagonist usually suffers from some form of mental health, has a disturbed past or has been tormented and has returned to seek revenge on their victims. The victims can differ depending on film and genre but a high percentage of victims are female which could have something to do with the fact mothers are maternal and the female audience watching can identify with them. Psychological horror films often use children as the killer and they are often female too.
Technical Codes
Mirrors - used to show the reflection of a characters inner self. It can also be used to represent 'the dark side' of characters intentions or personality.
Shadows and Low Key Lighting - they create tension and an eerie atmosphere, they usually show that something is about to happen. Similarly to mirrors they represent characters inner darkness.
Quick Cuts, Obtrusive and Montage Editing - these are used to highlight in important scenes the feeling of suspense and tension.
Flashbacks - typically used to show the past of the antagonist and gives an insight into what has previously happened in their life which links to why they have the intentions they do.
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