No one likes a predictable story with the same old plots and cliches. Audiences want to be shocked and entertained, and many desire some relatability. The Boys by Eric Kripke certainly keeps people on their toes. Even when they want to look away, they really can’t. The fourth season of the horror-comedy is here and without a doubt, it’s gruesome and hilarious. The storytelling is strong and weirdly relatable as wildly flawed characters play a chaotic role in the community. The Boys, Gen V, and The Boys Presents: Diabolical are all based in a world where superheroes are real. They’re a great reflection of our societies: Rebels are fighting a corrupt system, a multinational has way too much power, and influential people use their skills purely for personal gain. Its strong commentary on societal values is one reason why The Boys franchise has been so loved by the audience globally.
The Modern Rise of Horror Comedy
The horror-comedy genre isn’t exactly new. For example, the Wayans Brothers created the cult favorite Scary Movie franchise, which provides hilarious commentary on cliché horror film tropes. Today, The Boys is famous for its explicit and graphically gruesome scenes. Violent deaths, eccentric kinks, and harsh language can be found in every episode. The audience can’t get enough of it even if it truly disgusts them. So, why this sudden interest in horror-comedy?
A key reason for the growth was the pandemic. Everyone was cooped up inside their homes, longing for something exciting. Horror-comedy satiated this need for a rush and tackle the unexpected: Comedy brings comfort while horror gives a thrill. The audience is terrified, but also can’t stop laughing. Our attention spans have also decreased drastically. In the age of swiping, films and media have to go out of their way to keep their audience engaged. With the drastic visuals and the strong plots, the horror-comedies do a great job in keeping the audience hooked. They never know what will happen next! Will a head blow up? Does an octopus and a superhero have a PETA-prohibited relationship? Will there be a hallucinogenic-inspired fight scene?
Horror-comedy defies tropes as it uses unconventional yet relatable plots coupled with unique shots and visuals that viewers cannot detach themselves from. The Boys franchise is one of the best examples of how this genre has gained popularity over the years, and how the horror-comedy genre is here to stay.
Header: Erin Moriarty as Annie January/Starlight in The Boys (Source)
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