typical sequences found in horror films
#1 the victim tries to find the unknown threat
THE CONJURING
As an audience watching the film, we must be thinking 'why are going there?' but for the victim, they might be thinking they doing something brave. It is inevitable that whenever the victim goes to find the threat, that nothing good can come from this. Firstly, as we've established, the killer cannot be outdone so when the victim attempts to find them, the killer will often mark their territory by either trapping the victim if they're in a room like the basement or ultimately chase them until they kill them.
#2 Victim runs frantically to find safety
THE PURGE: ANARCHY
When it becomes clear to everyone that there is some sort of threat after them, the victims rush to find safety. Though, as we've established that the killer is usually more clever than the victims, their attempts to find safety is typically unsuccessful as they are constantly surrounded by threats. For example, in The Purge: Anarchy, the two victims run around town trying to find somewhere to hide but everywhere they go, there is always someone that is a threat to them. Therefore, the victims are never safe even though they may feel safe for a quick minute.
#3 the victims are stuck in insolation
HOUSE OF WAX
Isolation is the easiest way to put the victims in a vulnerable position. This is a common factor in horror films because isolation connotes that the victims are away from any safety or comfort and fundamentally cut off from the rest of society or friends/family which also means that they are all alone and have to rely on themselves. Therefore, the killer would be placed in the powerful position because they can attack the victims who would be constantly on edge.
#4 the victim thinks they're safe
SCREAM 4
This aspect of a horror film is very common in the genre, at this point, the victim feels that they've outdone the antagonist giving them feelings of relief. Also, as an audience we may too believe that the killer is gone but a sense of dramatic irony is used as we get to see the killer coming out of nowhere to attack the victim. Therefore, the killer is one step ahead of the victim and we are scared or shocked by the appearance of the killer and we understand that the killer is much more intelligent than we think.
#5 the victim is attacked from behind
SCREAM 4
Killing someone from the front is not as scary or interesting, so to make it more intriguing for the audience, the killer likes to attack the victim, who usually may feel as if they've escaped the killer, from behind. This is a common feature found in many horror films because it can add dramatic irony where the audience knows the killer is coming and puts the victim in the most vulnerable position.
#6 there's always a hero
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
THE PURGE: ANARCHY
It's rather obvious that there will be a hero, this is common in all genres. Although, in horror films, the hero is the one person who is brave enough to try to go against the killer and even outsmart them. Also, the victims will usually be in a group so the hero will be seen as the leader of this group and try to save the members of this group. In addition, the hero is typically a male due to the stereotypes that say he is the strongest and the bravest. Though, these conventions are changing as women also seen as the heroine such as Sidney in Scream 4.
#7 false scares
THE CABIN IN THE WOODS
THE PURGE: ANARCHY
To keep the intensity going in a horror film for over 90 minutes is rather difficult as you can't kill every single person. Therefore, this is where false scares is helpful in keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. This also allows the film to build up to the climatic event when the killer finally comes and is out to kill. In addition, the false scares is almost used to ease the audience in and to keep us guessing and paying attention to what is going on. This aspect is heightened by non-diegetic sound that gets our heartbeat going and adds to the impactful scare.
#8 the tragic running
TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE
THE PURGE: ANARCHY
Running is crucial for victims because it's the only way they can actually attempt to escape. Although, it is rather common that one character, generally the female, isn't capable of successfully running away without falling at least once. Also, another fact is that the killer is usually very close to the victim so when they fall down, the killer is put in the powerful position because the victim is frozen in terror and can't possibly move, or even try to move. Therefore, once again, the victim is put in the vulnerable position. However, the killer may not be powerful because someone, usually the male hero will rescue the female victim by picking them up and running away.
#9 the happy ending
INSIDIOUS 2
In modern horror films, this aspect has become rather popular, especially in films that are sequels and are the final film in a franchise. This means that the victims have finally got rid of the threat, usually by killing off the killer. For the audience, this gives a sense of relief and satisfaction because they know that some good can come out of it. Although, in films with no happy endings shows the realism behind the horror because in real life, there are generally no happy endings when a killer in involved.