If you love exploring the unexpected and thrilling world of horror stories, chances are you’ve crossed paths with true crime narratives. As an avid fan of both true crime and horror, you may be wondering if there’s a definite way to draw a line between the two. The truth is, drawing a line between true crime and horror isn’t easy.
The Similarities Between True Crime and Horror
True crime and horror can have many overlapping themes and tones. Both stories explore a fear of violence, often suggesting that one’s own safety or that of a loved one could be in danger.
In both true crime and horror stories there often exists a person or creature that is capable of terrorizing a community or individual. Whether it’s a faceless serial killer or a supernatural being, the character or force that causes harm within the story is essential to both genres.
Additionally, in both genres the storyteller has a substantial impact on the outcome of the story. How the story is told will shape the reader’s emotions and reactions to the plot. Both genres also delve into the psychology of the protagonist and provide additional layers of why the situation has become so dire.
The Differences Between True Crime and Horror
Though the similarities between true crime and horror can sometimes be blurred, there are some key differences between the two genres.
The main difference between horror and true crime is that horror stories are often based on fantasy and embellished elements, while true crime stories are based on facts and reality. While horror stories may have some factual elements, they are often exaggerated or fabricated to add drama and suspense. On the other hand, true crime stories are required to be truthful and report on factual details.
In horror stories, the reader may be left in suspense at the end of the story with no resolution. The suspenseful element of horror stories appeals to readers, who then unknowingly become active participants in the story, anticipating the conclusion. In true crime stories, closure is often provided at the end of stories, even if it’s not a happily ever after ending.
The Role of Justice in both Genres
A major element of true crime stories is justice. Justice is served when the bad character is arrested and then convicted for the crime. Conversely, in horror stories, justice is not often served. There could be a happy ending, but more often than not the story ends with the protagonist or hero in peril or the perpetrator living on.
In horror stories, the terror of the protagonist or community must continue until the hero can take matters into their own hands and exact justice. This differs from a true crime story, where the characters are relying on a justice system to work on their behalf, or an investigator to get to the bottom of the situation.
Given the similarities and differences between true crime and horror, the line between the two genres can become blurred. Horror and true crime are both intricate forms of storytelling featuring complex characters and exciting plotlines. The major points of difference between horror and true crime are the embellishments needed to create more suspense in the former, and closure delivered in the latter through the justice system. As horror and true crime narratives become more popular, fans will keep comparing the two and searching for where the line is drawn.