A sociologist explains what happens in our brains when we watch horror movies

Ever wondered what compels you to switch on a horror film after sunset, well aware the ghosts, freaky laughter and terrifying pregnant pauses will trigger your fear?

The allure of fear-based entertainment isn’t confined to a single month, but as people don their spooky costumes and venture out for Halloween, the concept of terror is thrust into the limelight. Just look at the lineup of scary movies on TV in October.

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Control isn’t the first word that comes to mind. But it’s precisely what makes such experiences so inviting, says Alex Bierman, sociology professor at the University of Calgary.

When we’re gripped by actual fear, we are overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness. The lack of safet

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