It’s no surprise that Black people have historically been poorly represented in horror films, whether they are killed off in the first five minutes or simply lack depth and development. However, there have been times when writers and directors have brought Black characters to the big screen in a meaningful and engaging way.
With all of the talent and diversity that they have, Black women especially deserve more screen time in this genre. To celebrate those queens this Halloween, here are three noteworthy Black female characters in thriller, slasher or horror films.
Keke Palmer as Emerald Haywood in “NOPE” (2022)
Keke Palmer brings her wit, charm and powerful facial expressions to “NOPE.” She and Daniel Kaluuya (“Get Out”) star as a brother-sister duo who discover foreign objects in the sky above their California ranch.
After years of bringing her soulful voice, comedic chops and passionate monologues to every project she’s worked on, Palmer blesses viewers with effortless charisma and personality in this multidimensional sci-fi horror film. (Palmer also warrants praise for being one of the real “Scream Queens” in the FOX television series that ran from 2015-2016).
Lupita Nyong’o as Adelaide Wilson in “Us” (2019)
Lupita Nyong’o has been in cultural masterpieces like “Black Panther” and “The Woman King,” but she shows a terrific range of talent with her appearance in Jordan Peele’s “Us.” Nyong’o stars as Adelaide Wilson, a mother of two who is haunted by a traumatic childhood experience. She returns to the beachfront property where she grew up, but soon after, the Wilsons are targeted by a group of masked strangers – only the strangers are “Tethered” and have the faces of each family member.
Nyong’o’s ability to switch between Adelaide and her “Tethered” character, Red, is remarkable. She conveys trauma with incredible conviction, but her eyes truly make the film. They capture much more horror than words ever could, and “Us” wouldn’t be what it is without her.
Brandy Norwood as Karla Wilson in “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” (1998)
This pick takes us a little bit back, but you’re a real one if you know this series. The second in the trilogy, “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,” follows Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie James, who is still reeling from killing the hit-and-run victim who murdered her friends. Karla, Julie’s roommate, wins a trip to the Bahamas, so the duo and their love interests travel to paradise, only to discover that the disgruntled murderer is still alive.
Despite the film’s failure to rise to the same heights as the original, Brandy knocks it out of the park with her performance. As Karla, she overcame the seemingly insurmountable task of successfully replacing Julie’s original best friend, Helen (Sarah Michelle Gellar), by not only surviving but also providing the perfect amount of depth and comedy. Brandy did so much more than just be a supporting character at a time when many Black women in film couldn’t, and for that, she deserves her flowers.
These examples of Black women in horror media demonstrate their power and ability to transcend beyond stereotypes and expectations. There is no shortage of Black female talent in Hollywood, and as we celebrate these outstanding performances, we can only hope that there are more to come.
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