How Two Latinas are Changing the Face of Horror
For decades, horror movies have been dominated by white actors, with a few exceptions here and there. But two Latinas, Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera, are leading a charge to bring more diversity to the genre – and to Hollywood overall.
The two young actors are making waves in the horror industry, with Ortega playing the titular role in the Netflix series The Babysitter: Killer Queen and Barrera starring in the Hulu series Light as a Feather. Their presence, along with Lupita Nyong’o in Us, is helping to expand representation not just in horror but in Hollywood overall.
Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega is no stranger to the horror genre. She made her debut in the 2017 Netflix original film The Babysitter and reprised the role in the 2020 sequel The Babysitter: Killer Queen. She also appeared in the 2019 film Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
Ortega’s work has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of a Latina teen in a horror movie. She brings a unique perspective to the genre that was lacking before, and her performances have helped to bring more diversity and representation to the horror genre.
Melissa Barrera
Melissa Barrera has also made a name for herself in the horror genre. She starred in the 2018 horror-thriller Light as a Feather for Hulu and is set to appear in the upcoming film Crescendo, a musical horror movie directed by Ezra Gould.
Barrera’s presence in the horror genre is a welcome change. She brings a new perspective to the genre that was lacking before, and her performances have helped to bring more diversity and representation to the horror genre.
Lupita Nyong’o in Us
Lupita Nyong’o also deserves a mention in this discussion. She starred in the 2019 horror film Us and received critical acclaim for her performance. Her presence in the film helped to expand representation in the genre and her performance was praised for its nuance and depth.
Nyong’o’s performance was a much-needed breath of fresh air in the horror genre, and her work has helped to bring more diversity and representation to the genre.
Jenna Ortega, Melissa Barrera, and Lupita Nyong’o are leading the charge to bring more diversity and representation to horror movies. Their presence in the genre is a welcome change, and their performances have helped to bring more nuance and depth to the genre.
With more diverse voices and perspectives being represented in horror movies, the genre is slowly but surely becoming more inclusive. It’s a positive step forward, and one that should be celebrated.
