The Biggest Horror From ‘The Curse’ Isn’t What You Think
For decades, the 1980 horror film "The Curse" has been terrifying audiences with its tale of a family’s descent into madness and terror. But beneath the surface of demonic possession, creepy crawlies, and gruesome murders lies a far more sinister and insidious horror: the devastating impact of toxic masculinity.
On the surface, "The Curse" appears to be a straightforward tale of demonic possession, as a family’s new home is cursed by the spirit of a Native American witch who was brutally murdered on the property. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that the true horror is not the supernatural forces at work, but rather the toxic masculinity that permeates every aspect of the story.
The patriarch of the family, Jimmy, is a classic example of toxic masculinity. He’s a chauvinistic, entitled, and aggressive man who believes that he is superior to his wife and daughter simply because of his gender. He constantly belittles and disrespects his wife, Diane, and ignores his daughter, Ellie’s, needs and feelings.
As the family’s situation becomes increasingly dire, Jimmy’s behavior becomes more and more erratic, culminating in a violent outburst that leaves his family reeling. But instead of taking responsibility for his actions, Jimmy blames everyone else, including his wife and daughter, for his own failures.
Meanwhile, Diane is portrayed as a passive and submissive character who is trapped in a loveless marriage and is desperate to escape. She’s depicted as weak and helpless, unable to stand up for herself or her daughter against Jimmy’s abuse.
The true horror of "The Curse" is not the demonic possession or the creepy crawlies, but rather the way in which toxic masculinity is normalized and glorified throughout the film. Jimmy’s behavior is never challenged or condemned, and instead is portrayed as a natural and acceptable part of being a man.
Furthermore, the film’s depiction of women is also problematic. Diane is reduced to a mere prop, used solely to further the plot and serve as a victim of Jimmy’s abuse. Ellie, on the other hand, is depicted as a helpless and innocent child who is powerless to stop the horrors that are unfolding around her.
In conclusion, the biggest horror from "The Curse" isn’t the supernatural forces that are at work, but rather the toxic masculinity that permeates every aspect of the story. The film’s normalization of abusive behavior and its depiction of women as weak and helpless is a far more insidious and terrifying horror than any ghost or demon.
So the next time you watch "The Curse", take a closer look at the characters and the way in which they are portrayed. You might just find that the true horror is far more sinister and insidious than you ever could have imagined.