Diabolical Motherhood

Summary

A collection of essays by female horror writers exploring portrayals of diabolical mothers in both modern and classic horror films

The concept of motherhood, often idealized as the epitome of unconditional love and nurturing, has been twisted and perverted in various cinematic works to explore darker, more complex human dynamics. Led by Danel Olson, winner of the Bram Stoker Award, Shirley Jackson Award, and two-time World Fantasy Awards—and acclaimed film professor—the essayists introduce listeners to traditional portrayals of mothers in film and literature, establishing a baseline for understanding how diabolical motherhood deviates from the norm.

From a historical overview tracing the evolution of malevolent maternal figures in cinema, from early depictions of wicked stepmothers in fairy tales to the complex, multifaceted monstrous matriarchs of contemporary films, these essays explore the psychological underpinnings of diabolical motherhood, drawing on authors’ personal experiences, anecdotes, and research to understand the motivations and mental states driving these characters in a wide range of horror films.

The essays offer a deeper understanding of how cinema reflects and shapes our perceptions of motherhood, morality, and power. A must-listen for horror aficionados.