Directed by Donna Davies and written by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, in 2020 Australian critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas released the book: 1000 Women in Horror, 1895–2018, an encyclopaedic work celebrating the many women – filmmakers, actors, producers and technicians – who have shaped the genre since the moment cinema’s light first flickered. Now, it’s brought to life by some familiar faces and beloved horror clips. Featuring: Akela Cooper, Brea Grant, Mary Harron, Nikyatu Jusu, Lin Shaye, Kate Siegel, and many more.
Okay, something to get out of the way quickly when it comes to 1000 Women in Horror, yes, any committed horror fan will be familiar with all of these references, and you may not be a fan of all of them, but it’s not about that. This documentary is more than simply its clips, and not every film mentioned is going to be a masterpiece, it’s about celebrating women in horror. Putting respect and admiration on how women have shaped the genre, led the genre and expanded the genre.
That’s exactly why it doesn’t matter if they make a reference to a film you absolutely detest, you can still enjoy what they have to say about it, because it’s so refreshing and joyful to see this combination of women in one film. However, if you’re not that familiar, get your watchlist at the ready. Donna Davies created the space to expand Alexandra Heller-Nicholas’ work, to bring it to life with vivacity and passion, and that’s what she achieved. As well as creating a brilliant balance of honouring women’s talents but also their capacity for violence, how they can expertly work both sides of the coin, whether it be a final girl or a femme fatale.
Chaptering 1000 Women in Horror with how women are represented in horror at each stage of their life, from girlhood to motherhood was a particularly great choice. Especially when the film arrives at the latter and Kate Siegel gets delightfully candid and hits the nail right on the head with some blunt wisdom. Even though almost every woman will be familiar with all of the conversations the filmmakers are having in this documentary, it doesn’t make it any less entertaining. It’s a lovely experience to delve back into cult classics, especially those made by men, and look at them through different women’s perspectives, whether they were involved in the making of them, or just enjoyed them.
1000 Women in Horror may not have revelatory information to give viewers, but it’s incredibly satisfying to watch so many great women of horror discuss their passion and perspective of the genre. Donna Davies and Alexandra Heller-Nicholas bring together such a terrific blend of filmmakers from in front of and behind the camera to celebrate cinema and each other. Granted, this is going to be particularly enjoyed by women, because it was made for women and by women, and that’s a type of cinema we always need more of.
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