Women of Horror: Celebrating the Female Leaders of the Genre #ScreamVI
March is Women’s History Month, and in celebration, we’d like to take a moment to recognize the female leaders of horror. From Jamie Lee Curtis in the Halloween franchise, to Sissy Space in Carrie, to Lupita Nyong’o in Us, women have been at the forefront of horror for decades. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the greatest female leaders in the genre, from classic films to modern blockbusters.
Jamie Lee Curtis in the Halloween Franchise
It’s hard to talk about female horror leaders without mentioning Jamie Lee Curtis in the Halloween franchise. As Laurie Strode, Curtis is the heroine of the iconic horror films, and her performance has been lauded for decades. From her first appearance in 1978’s Halloween to her most recent performance in 2018’s Halloween, Curtis has become the face of horror itself.
Her performance as Laurie Strode is unforgettable, and it’s easy to see why she’s become the one of the genre’s most beloved characters. She’s brave, resourceful, and determined, and her drive and strength continues to inspire fans.
Sissy Space in Carrie
When it comes to horror, Sissy Space’s performance in 1976’s Carrie is simply iconic. As the titular character, Space showed the world what it means to be the and her performance was lauded for its realism and depth. Space brought complexity to the role, and her performance was praised for its ability to make the audience feel for the character.
Space also shone a light on the importance of female friendships. Her relationship with Sue Snell (Amy Irving) was heartbreaking, and her journey to self-discovery was inspiring. Her performance as Carrie is one of the genre’s most memorable, and it stands as a reminder that women can be powerful even in the face of adversity.
Lupita Nyong’o in Us
Lupita Nyong’o brought a new level of complexity to horror with her performance in Us, Jordan Peele’s 2019 film. As Adelaide Wilson, Nyong’o is a force to be reckoned with. Her performance is layered and nuanced, and she’s able to make the audience feel a range of emotions. From terror to sorrow to hope, Nyong’o is able to capture it all.
Nyong’o’s performance also brings a much-needed representation of black women to the genre. She shows that the horror genre is no longer just about white, male leads, and her performance serves as a reminder that diverse, female leads are powerful and inspiring.
Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barerra in Scream 5 & 6
The Scream franchise has been home to many female horror icons, but none are more memorable than Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barerra in Scream 5 and 6. These two women brought a new level of complexity to the franchise, and their characters were nuanced and layered. Ortega and Barerra are strong and determined, and their performances are inspiring and powerful.
Their performances also highlight the importance of female friendships, and their special bond is a reminder that women can be each other’s greatest allies. Ortega and Barerra’s roles in the Scream franchise are proof that women can be powerful and inspiring, even in the face of horror.
This Women’s History Month, we’re taking a moment to recognize some of the female leaders of horror, from Jamie Lee Curtis in the Halloween franchise to Lupita Nyong’o in Us. These performances are powerful and inspiring, and they remind us that women can be strong and brave, even in the face of adversity. From classic films to modern blockbusters, women have been at the forefront of horror for decades, and their performances continue to inspire and entertain.
