Have you ever found yourself captivated by the eerie atmosphere, the looming shadows, and the spine-tingling suspense of certain movies and series? Well, buckle up because chances are, you might be unknowingly falling head over heels for the world of Gothic literature! With its roots sinking deep into the literary soil of the 18th century, Gothic literature has experienced a thrilling resurgence in our modern era. Buckle up, this is gonna be a lengthy read!
The Gothic Allure Unveiled
So, what exactly is Gothic literature? It’s like the dark, mysterious cousin of classic literature.
Gothic stories often feature gloomy settings, supernatural elements, and characters haunted by their own inner demons. But why the sudden resurgence in the 21st century?
In an age of constant connectivity and information overload, Gothic literature taps into our primal need for suspense, the unknown, and a good, old-fashioned scare.
What Makes Gothic, Gothic
Let’s look into the building blocks of Gothic literature — the tropes that send shivers down your spine and keep you turning the pages.
Dark and Dreary Settings
Picture this: a crumbling castle, a desolate moor, or an abandoned mansion draped in shadows. Gothic literature loves to play with settings that mirror the darkness within its characters.
Supernatural Elements
Ghosts, vampires, and things that go bump in the night — Gothic tales are rife with supernatural elements that add an extra layer of mystery and suspense.
Brooding Protagonists
Meet the brooding hero, haunted by a troubled past and often grappling with inner demons. Think Heathcliff in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights or Mr. Rochester in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.
Damsels in Distress
Gothic literature often features damsels in distress, trapped in ominous situations and awaiting salvation. However, modern interpretations are challenging and subverting this trope.
Atmosphere of Fear and Suspense
The heartbeat echoing in the silence, the rustle of unseen figures — it’s all about building an atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat, craving the next twist.
Secrets and Forbidden Knowledge
Gothic tales thrive on the unknown, the forbidden, and the secrets that lurk in the shadows. From hidden manuscripts to family mysteries, uncovering the truth is a journey in itself.
The Birth of Gothic Literature
Gothic literature was born in the turbulent literary landscape of the 18th century. The movement found its roots in the works of writers like Horace Walpole, who unleashed the Gothic beast with his novel The Castle of Otranto in 1764.
Walpole’s tale of mysterious deaths, supernatural occurrences, and a castle draped in secrets set the stage for a literary revolution. Suddenly, readers were craving more than just the sunny fields and happy endings of traditional literature. They wanted the macabre, the mysterious, and the downright spooky.
Let’s Look at The Basics
Here’s a chronological journey through some of the most iconic works, each a masterpiece in its own right!
1818: “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus” by Mary Shelley
The daughter of feminist trailblazer Mary Wollstonecraft penned Frankenstein in 1818. This classic tale revolves around Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient creature through unconventional means. Shelley’s exploration of science, morality, and the consequences of playing god laid the foundation for science fiction and Gothic literature.
1897: “Dracula” by Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker brought Count Dracula to life in 1897, forever changing the vampire game. Dracula follows Jonathan Harker’s perilous journey to Transylvania and the subsequent terror unleashed in Victorian London. Stoker’s work not only solidified the vampire myth but also introduced a charismatic and chilling antagonist that has stood the test of time.
1847: “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë
A tale of passion, revenge, and the destructive power of love. Set in the Yorkshire moors, it unfolds the tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Brontë’s exploration of dark and obsessive love has etched Wuthering Heights into the annals of Gothic literature.
1847: “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
In the same year, Charlotte Brontë gave us Jane Eyre. This Gothic-tinged novel follows the life of the orphaned Jane as she navigates the harsh world of 19th-century England. With its brooding hero Mr. Rochester and the eerie Thornfield Hall, Jane Eyre is a quintessential Gothic masterpiece.
1886: “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson
The novella delves into the duality of human nature. Dr. Jekyll’s experiments to separate the good and evil within himself lead to the creation of Mr. Hyde, a malevolent alter ego. Stevenson’s exploration of the darker facets of humanity became an instant classic.
1938: “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier
Takes us to the mysterious Manderley estate. The novel, narrated by the second Mrs. de Winter, explores themes of jealousy, obsession, and the haunting presence of the deceased first wife, Rebecca. Du Maurier’s tale of psychological suspense has left an indelible mark on Gothic literature.
1959: “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson
It introduces us to the reclusive Blackwood sisters, Mary Katherine and Constance. Living in isolation after a family tragedy, their world is disrupted by the arrival of a distant relative. Jackson weaves a tale of eerie atmospheres, family secrets, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
1898: “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James
A ghost story wrapped in layers of ambiguity. A governess, two seemingly innocent children, and spectral apparitions set the stage for psychological tension and the blurred lines between the supernatural and the psychological.
1890: “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
His only novel explores the corrupting influence of hedonism and the pursuit of eternal youth. Dorian Gray, a young man of exceptional beauty, makes a Faustian pact that allows his portrait to age while he remains young and morally unscathed. Wilde’s exploration of vanity and moral decay remains a thought-provoking classic.
1910: “The Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux
It takes us into the depths of the Paris Opera House, where a mysterious masked man, Erik, lurks. This tale of love, obsession, and tragedy has inspired numerous adaptations and remains an enduring piece of Gothic fiction.
Personal Revelation: A Love Story
Have you ever noticed a pattern in the movies and series that keeps you coming back for more? I had my own lightbulb moment when I realized that the stories that had me hooked, heart and soul, were all steeped in Gothic influences.
What you should know about me is that I have always been fascinated by the macabre, the melancholic, and the mysterious. Movies often become my favorite, because of the atmosphere, rather than the complexity of the plot, or the depth of it all (even though I usually prefer movies that make me wonder for days after watching them).
I was listening to an interview with Guillermo del Toro regarding his 2015 movie Crimson Peak. He mentioned how he was inspired by works such as Wuthering Heights, or Rebecca and talked in great detail about Gothic literature. That interview made me dive in deep, and I collected some of my favorite movies. As you will see in the following chapter, there are numerous Gothic literature-inspired pieces.
The Modern Gothic Resurgence
Ever caught yourself binge-watching a series that had you on the edge of your seat, heart racing, and maybe a blanket pulled up to your nose? Chances are, you’ve unwittingly fallen into the web of modern Gothic storytelling. Shows like The Haunting of Hill House and Penny Dreadful bring the Gothic vibe into your living room, making you question what’s real and what’s lurking in the shadows.
Let me give you a compilation of my personal favorites, movies that already had me hooked before realizing their common thread of Gothic inspiration.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
A lavish and atmospheric adaptation that brings the iconic vampire to life. Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Count Dracula is both seductive and terrifying. The film draws inspiration from Stoker’s original novel, embracing the Gothic elements of love, immortality, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Wuthering Heights (1992)
This 1992 adaptation explores the passionate and destructive love between Heathcliff and Catherine. Set against the windswept moors, the film captures the intensity of Brontë’s Gothic masterpiece, delving into themes of vengeance, obsession, and the haunting echoes of love lost.
Phantom of The Opera (2004)
Joel Schumacher’s adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical is a visual feast. Gerard Butler dons the mask as the mysterious Phantom, whose haunting melodies echo through the grand Paris Opera House. The film weaves a tale of unrequited love, obsession, and the eerie beauty of the theatrical world.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
A dark fantasy tale against the backdrop of post-Civil War Spain. Young Ofelia encounters mythical creatures in a labyrinth, navigating the harsh realities of her world. Del Toro’s film explores the blurred lines between fantasy and reality, a theme often found in Gothic storytelling.
Jane Eyre (2006 TV Series)
This 2006 TV series adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel brings the haunting tale of Jane Eyre to life. Ruth Wilson stars as the indomitable Jane, navigating love, mystery, and a brooding Toby Stephens as Mr. Rochester. The series captures the essence of Gothic romance amidst the gloomy halls of Thornfield Hall.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a macabre musical that combines razor-sharp humor with haunting melodies. Johnny Depp stars as the vengeful barber seeking retribution in Victorian London. Helena Bonham Carter joins him as the cunning Mrs. Lovett. This adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical adds a touch of Gothic horror to the list, with its dark themes and atmospheric storytelling.
Dorian Gray (2009)
It delves into the darker side of vanity and hedonism, adapting Oscar Wilde’s novel. Ben Barnes plays Dorian, a man who remains eternally youthful while a portrait ages in his stead. The film explores themes of morality, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked desires.
The Woman in Black (2012)
A chilling adaptation of Susan Hill’s novel, directed by James Watkins. Daniel Radcliffe stars as Arthur Kipps, a solicitor haunted by a vengeful spirit in a remote village. The film embraces Gothic horror with its eerie setting, a vengeful ghost, and the exploration of grief and loss.
Mama (2013)
Directed by Andy Muschietti, is a supernatural horror film that explores the eerie and maternal side of horror. Two young girls, abandoned in the woods and raised by an otherworldly presence they call “Mama,” find themselves in the care.
Crimson Peak (2015)
A Gothic masterpiece set against the backdrop of a decaying mansion that breathes with secrets. Mia Wasikowska plays Edith, who discovers the darkness lurking in the heart of love. Del Toro draws inspiration from classic Gothic literature, infusing his film with supernatural elements and an atmosphere thick with dread.
Marrowbone (2017)
Sergio G. Sánchez’s movie takes us to a secluded mansion where four siblings harbor a dark secret. As they try to start anew, the past catches up with them. Sánchez crafts a tale of psychological suspense, family bonds, and the consequences of buried truths, embodying the Gothic tradition of family secrets and haunted houses.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle (2018)
Stacie Passon’s film adapts Shirley Jackson’s novel, following the lives of the eccentric Blackwood sisters. Taissa Farmiga and Alexandra Daddario bring the eerie tale to life, portraying a family ensconced in isolation, secrets, and the haunting legacy of the past.
The Nun (2018)
Set in a Romanian abbey, the film explores the demonic origins of the malevolent nun, Valak. While not directly inspired by a literary source, The Nun draws on Gothic tropes, including atmospheric settings, religious symbolism, and supernatural horror.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Mike Flanagan’s Netflix series, The Haunting of Hill House, is a modern Gothic masterpiece. The Crain family’s journey through the haunted Hill House is a rollercoaster of suspense, family dynamics, and psychological horror. Flanagan pays homage to classic Gothic tropes, infusing the series with an atmosphere of fear and an exploration of trauma.
The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)
Mike Flanagan continues his exploration of Gothic horror with The Haunting of Bly Manor. Loosely based on Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw, this series introduces us to the mysteries within the walls of Bly Manor, intertwining love and loss with supernatural elements. Flanagan crafts a tale that pays tribute to classic Gothic literature while offering a fresh and haunting narrative.
Nightmare Alley (2021)
Guillermo del Toro returns with Nightmare Alley, a noir thriller that takes a plunge into the shadows of the carnival world. Bradley Cooper plays Stan, a grifter seeking fortune, but the darkness within begins to surface. Del Toro’s film explores the psychological depths of the human soul, akin to the themes found in Gothic literature.
Conclusion: Embrace the Shadows
So, what’s the takeaway from all this Gothic goodness? Embrace the shadows! Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the classics or a modern-day thrill-seeker, Gothic literature has a way of sinking its teeth into your imagination.
In a world that often feels too predictable, Gothic literature and its modern-day counterparts provide the escape we crave — a journey into the unknown where every creaking floorboard and flickering candle holds the promise of a spine-chilling revelation.
So, go ahead, let the shadows embrace you, and enjoy the thrilling resurgence of Gothic literature in all its mysterious glory!
Anna Juhász 