Fear Won't Make You Float

This documentary delves into the psychological impact of horror cinema, exploring how audiences engage with fear and suspense. It examines the evolution of horror tropes and their connection to societal anxieties throughout history. Through interviews with psychologists, film historians, and horror enthusiasts, the film investigates why we are drawn to experiences that elicit fear, and what that reveals about the human condition.

Fear Won't Make You Float received a mixed to positive reception, with critics praising its insightful analysis of horror and its psychological underpinnings. However, some found the pacing occasionally slow, and a few viewers felt it delved too deeply into academic theory rather than pure cinematic analysis.

• Praised for its intelligent exploration of the psychology behind horror.

• Noted for its thorough research and engaging interviews.

• Some reviewers found the academic tone to be a bit dry at times.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the documentary's deep dive into the reasons why people enjoy being scared by films. Many found the explanations from experts fascinating and thought-provoking, although a minority felt it was too analytical and lacked a more visceral connection to the films discussed.

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Sundance Film Festival.

The film features an archival interview clip from a renowned psychologist who, in the 1970s, published a controversial paper arguing that horror films could have cathartic benefits for viewers.