The Horror Within: Body Horror & Psychoanalysis

About this event

Explore the body horror genre through the lenses of psychoanalysis, queer theory and feminist thinking. Followed by Q&A. Body horror doesn’t scream psychology at first glance. But this genre – built on fear, disgust, and reputation – cuts straight to the depths of the psyche, forcing us to confront what it really means to be human. To make sense of the movies that repel and excite us in equal measure, this talk draws on Julia Kristeva's theory of abjection, the foundational lens through which so many of these flesh-bound nightmares are best understood. Through psychoanalysis, queer theory and feminist thinking, we'll rip apart fan favourites like Society , The Fly , Shivers , The Substance and Together – tracing the genre's evolution from 1980s anxieties around health and politics to modern reckonings with class, beauty standards, the male gaze, and self-acceptance. Because if the boundaries of the body can be breached and broken, so can the structures that contain us. Body horror isn't just about disgust – it might be the ultimate act of rebellion and freedom. Learn how psychoanalysis, queer theory and feminist thinking can be used to explore body horror Discuss the development of body horror as a genre and to what extent it reflects contemporary social issues Understand the psychological insights the genre of body horror gives into the human mind Explore the extent to which body horror can critique social structures such as gender and class Katie Evans is a BACP-accredited therapist and self-confessed horror nerd. Her passion for all things spooky began in childhood and continued through her studies in music, film, and media at Liverpool University, before moving into the field of mental health. She holds advanced accreditation in GSRD Therapy (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity). In addition, Katie has presented at conferences across Europe and has spoken for organisations including The Maudsley, the British Psychological Society, The NHS, LGBT Foundation, and HMPPS, among others. She is also a registered guest lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. An advocate for using pop culture in psychotherapy, Katie previously hosted The Mental Health Monsters Podcast and continues to explore how fictional narratives – especially those from the horror genre – can help us better understand ourselves. This talk is 18+