It's tough being a woman, and nothing highlights the challenges of womanhood like pink horror. These stories aren't afraid to take a bold, unflinching look at the damaging effects of the patriarchy and societal pressures on women.
The term Pink Horror is credited to Wendy Dalrymple, an amazing horror author who specializes in writing about the experiences of femme-presenting people.
When I think of this genre, I tend to think of the physicality of being a woman. Think about the changes that happen in the body in adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause. I also think of the horrors women endure to be seen as beautiful. Think plastic surgery, wigs and hair extensions, and dieting.
Then there are all of the mental pressures women endure that can drive us to the breaking point: work, family, friends. There is so much to explore in the genre. Much of it involves female characters who are delightfully unhinged. I'm talking about people you shouldn't be cheering on, but you do anyway (Pearl from Ti West's X trilogy).
Pink Horror emerges as a genre that critiques the harm of misogyny while being entertaining, insightful, and simply enjoyable.
Are you looking for some pink horror recommendations? Here are some of my favorites:
List of Pink Horror Novels:
Don't Read This Book or You Might Die by Wendy Dalrymple
Nightbitch Rachel Yoder
She's a Lamb by Meredith Hambrock
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
Rouge by Mona Awad
The Return by Rachel Harris
Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey
Lone Woman by Victor LaValle
Come Closer by Sara Gran
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
Chlorine by Jade Song
Jackal by Erin E. Adams
Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Experimental Film by Gemma Files
Mary by Nat Cassidy
Nestling by Nat Cassidy
The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker
Maeve Fly by CJ Leede
Daphne by Josh Malerman
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
Carrie by Stephen King
List of Pink Horror Movies:
Ginger Snaps
Jennifer's Body
Pearl
The Love Witch
Raw
Midsommar
Babadook
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night
Raw
Teeth
Suspira (both versions)
Revenge
The Substance
The Ugly Stepsister
Black Swan
The Craft
The Descent
Crimson Peak
Rosemary's Baby
Saint Maud
The Stepford Wives
The Witch
Neon Demon
Last Night in Soho
Annihilation
Pan's Labyrinth
The Blackcoat's Daughter
Happy Death Day
Run, Sweetheart, Run
It Follows
Carnival of Souls
Drag Me to Hell
Smile (1 and 2)
Starry Eyes
Fresh
Malignant
Bones and All
