Teen slasher films featuring a group of protagonists pursued by a relentless killer after covering up an accidental death or crime are a popular subgenre of horror. These films often incorporate elements of mystery, suspense, and whodunit tropes, placing a strong emphasis on the psychological torment experienced by the characters as their past actions return to haunt them. The 1997 film featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sarah Michelle Gellar serves as a prime example, popularizing many of the genre’s conventions.
This subgenre taps into primal fears of accountability and the consequences of past misdeeds. The enduring appeal of these narratives lies in the exploration of guilt, paranoia, and the fragility of youthful invincibility. Historically, these films reflect societal anxieties and moral panics, particularly surrounding teenage behavior and rebellion. They also provide a cathartic experience for audiences through the stylized depiction of violence and survival.
