One common theme is the loss of control. In many mother horror stories, the mother realizes she can't control the situation around her, like in 'We Need to Talk about Kevin' where the mother can't control her son's actions which lead to a series of horror events.
Another theme is the sacrifice that goes wrong. Mothers often sacrifice a lot in normal life, but in horror stories, this sacrifice can turn into something terrifying. For example, in some stories, a mother might sacrifice her own well - being for her child, but it results in a horror - filled situation instead of a positive outcome. It shows how the noble act of sacrifice can be twisted in the context of horror.
The theme of the unknown or the hidden within the family also prevails. In 'Rosemary's Baby', the mother is unaware of the true nature of those around her, especially regarding the conspiracy around her pregnancy. This sense of not knowing what is really going on within the family unit, especially when it comes to the mother's role, is a common theme in mother horror stories. It plays on the fear that there could be something lurking beneath the surface of the seemingly normal family life that the mother is part of.
The theme of a hidden past also frequently shows up. It could be that the mother has a dark secret from her past that comes back to haunt them both. This secret could be related to a curse, an old wrong - doing, or something she was involved in that has now put both her and her daughter in danger. This creates a sense of mystery and horror as the daughter slowly discovers the truth about her mother and the situation they are in.
One common theme is over - interference. Future mother - in - laws often try to interfere in the couple's relationship, like deciding when they should have kids or how they should manage their finances.
One common theme is love. The old mother usually loves her family or those around her unconditionally. Another theme is wisdom. She often imparts her knowledge and life experiences to others. Also, there's the theme of self - sacrifice. She might give up her own comfort for the well - being of others.
Another theme is criticism. They are likely to criticize the daughter - in - law's appearance, behavior, or career choices. Maybe she doesn't like the way the daughter - in - law dresses and makes snide comments all the time.
The theme of isolation can also be present. New mothers may find themselves alone a lot, especially if their partners are at work or if they don't have family nearby. This isolation can lead to feelings of anxiety and fear, which can be part of the 'horror' in the 'new mother horror story'.
Another common horror story is that the mother of the bride starts criticizing the groom and his family non - stop before the wedding. She might find fault with their social status, their habits or even the way they speak. This creates a lot of tension between the two families and puts the bride in a very difficult position as she loves both her family and her future in - laws. The bride is then stuck in the middle, trying to keep the peace.
A sense of duty is also a theme. Mothers feel it is their duty to protect and provide for their children. So they sacrifice things like their social life. They might not go out with friends or participate in community activities because they have to take care of their family. They sacrifice to fulfill what they believe is their role within the family structure.
Unpredictable mood changes are common. One day she's happy and loving, the next she's angry for no obvious reason. For instance, she might praise her child's grades one day and then scream at the same child for getting a similar grade later. Another element is excessive jealousy. She may be jealous of her child's relationships with others, like teachers or friends.
Another common theme is the breakdown of sanity. The constant fear and oppression in an 'esclave horror story' can drive the enslaved characters mad. They start to hallucinate, lose their grip on reality, and become a shadow of their former selves. This not only affects the characters directly but also creates a more eerie and disturbing atmosphere for the audience as they watch the characters' mental decline.
Well, there's the theme of identity crisis. Some characters in American Horror Story struggle with who they really are, and this often ties into the horror elements. For instance, a character might find out they have a dark past or a hidden power that they can't control. Also, there's the theme of family dysfunction. Dysfunctional families are often at the center of the horror, with family members turning against each other or having dark secrets that are slowly revealed throughout the season.