Other horror movie tropes can sometimes feel hackneyed or trite, but not a mirror trope that’s guaranteed to deliver tons of genuine scary moments. With so many superstitions surrounding mirrors, it’s no wonder they are often used as a means of fear in most horror films. Mirrors in horror films often depict an alternate reality or simply an obsession; sometimes they symbolize vanity or a sinister other self. As evil as they represent, mirrors, even more so than dolls and clowns, are among the creepiest symbols of evil in horror films.
Mirrors can be creepy because of the closeness they exude, or because they display identical worlds. The truth is, there are days when it’s hard to look in the mirror without the uncomfortable feeling that someone is watching from behind. Horror then takes that uncomfortable feeling and turns it into stories that many people might fear. From trapped souls to nightmares, evil monsters emerging from mirrors, scary reflections and vengeful mirrors, movies like Oculus, dark mirroras well as Mirrorsamong other things, they did an excellent job of instilling fear of mirrors in the hearts of many.
‘Mirrors’ (2008)
Former Police Officer CarsonKiefer Sutherland and his family are the target of an evil force that uses mirrors to infiltrate their world. When his family starts seeing some strange reflections in the mirror, Carson realizes that he needs to do something quickly to save his family.
The brutality of these ghostly mirrors greets viewers from the opening scene of this horror story, followed by other gruesome deaths and several other unsettling scenes that add to the fear and panic. The jaw-breaking scene is sure to be remembered by many for a long time and will make them wary of looking in the mirror. With its dark scenes, iconic imagery and well thought out plot. Mirrors supports the eerie legend of horror mirrors.
“Oculus” (2013)
Struggling to survive the tragic death of their parents, two siblings return to their childhood homes to destroy an antique mirror they believe is responsible for the deaths. Kaylie (Karen Gillan) the older sister devises a plan to destroy the mirror, but the situation escalates when the mirror begins to resist.
With a mirror as the villain, this supernatural thriller is a rare but pleasant surprise for horror fans. This deadly mirror that controls people, captures souls and feeds on plants, plays an important role in the development of the plot and causes genuine fears that interfere with the perception of reality by people. Oculus - one of the most original and fascinating fairy tales of its kind.
“Look Away” (2018)
This psychological thriller tells the story of a lonely and timid high school student, Marie, who switches places with her sinister reflection. Her life is turned upside down when this image begins to reveal her secret desires and her deadliest dreams.
The trail of evil reflection contributes greatly to the suspense this psychological thriller has created, making this dark mirror tale unsettling for many. From the beginning to the end, look away shrouded in so many mysteries that many are confused about what is real and what is not. Could Marie be the one who commits all the murders and blames her reflection in the dark mirror for it?
‘Poltergeist’ (1982)
A horde of evil spirits haunts a young family. At first they appear to be playful children, but they soon take a nasty turn and begin to terrify the family. When they finally kidnap their youngest daughter, the family hires a parapsychologist to help them save their daughter.
Even after 43 years. poltergeist remains one of the most revered horror films due to its exceptional acting, great dialogue, genuine supernatural fears, and superb special effects. Steven Spielberg influence adds to its appeal. The mirror scene in which paranormal researcher Marty (Martin Casella) flays his skin is one of the bloodiest scenes in horror film history and is still considered by many to be the most effective use of horror mirrors, traumatizing many viewers.
‘Bloody Mary’ (2006)
Mental hospital nurses take part in a bloody mirror ritual by summoning the spirit of a bloodthirsty demon. As this vengeful spirit continues to kill, the number of eyeless corpses of staff and patients grows.
This list would be incomplete without mentioning Bloody Mary, a terrifying story about one of the most malevolent spirits in the history of evil mirror monsters. The myth behind the story contributes to the tension and excitement of the horror film. Looking in the mirror at night may never be the same after watching this movie.
‘Candyman’ (1992)
PhD student, Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) researching the myth of the soul-killer leads to the release of this deadly monster (Daniel Robitaille) in to the world. As this demonic figure with hooked arms roams free, a number of terrible things begin to happen.
There is something unsettling about the very sight of mirrors in a horror film, andCandyman’ may very well be a serious reason for this. Based on the legend of Bloody Mary. Candyman represents an even darker power that can be summoned by saying his name five times. This dangerous urban legend will not hesitate to kill anyone who screams his name in front of a mirror. Tony Todd remains one of the most iconic characters in the horror genre thanks to Daniel Robitaille’s excellent performance.
‘USA’ (2009)
This terrifying story follows the Wilson family as they go on vacation only to find themselves being stalked by a group of their doppelgangers. They must fight these strange doppelgangers if they are to survive. However, as the story progresses, they discover that there is a whole world of doppelgangers living in the tunnel, and there is so much they don’t know.
In this home invasion thriller Jordan Peele relies on a mirror trope to create a truly unnerving and unique story. The canvas labyrinth scene where young Adelaide looks in the mirror and sees her doppelgänger is sure to give a lot of people goosebumps. Young Adelaide cannot be the only one who is horrified when her reflection in the mirror remains motionless as she turns to him; many people can become afraid of their mirror images after seeing this.
“Dark Mirror” (2007)
After the photographer and her family move into a strange old house, she gets the strange feeling that she is being watched and that there is a dark presence in their house. After a series of investigations, she discovers that the house has a very dark history.
It doesn’t have as much blood and blood in it as in Mirrors, but this dark tale is quite disturbing, and the mirror plays a significant role in it. This might be another movie with a terrifying mirror angle, but when Lisa Vidal (Deborah Martin) begins to see unsettling reflections whenever he looks in the mirror, the film’s chilling effect is intensified.
“Hole in the Ground” (2019)
In this dark Irish horror, single mother Sarah suspects that her son has been replaced by a doppelgänger after he returned from the woods behind their farmhouse and began exhibiting strange behavior.
hole in the ground maybe started out as a simple story, but as the story progresses, it gets more interesting and terrifying. The scene in which Sarah sees her son’s reflection in the mirror and finally realizes that this monster, and not her son, horrifies not only her, but also the audience. Here the fear of the mirror is effectively used to heighten the tension.
“Broken” (2008)
AT Broken, radiologist Gina finds herself trapped in a sinister world of warped reality where she meets her own doppelgänger. Gina decides to investigate these strange happenings, only to uncover dark secrets.
Gina’s life is turned upside down immediately after the mirror breaks, confirming the superstitious belief that a broken mirror leads to bad luck. In this psychological thriller Lena Headey plays the troubled protagonist convincingly, adding creepy vibes and tension. Many may fear broken mirrors after watching this slow-paced psychological horror. Maybe it’s time to be careful with those mirrors. Who knows what they might unleash?
Source: Collider
