A PSYCHOANALYTIC EXPLORATION OF FEAR AND HIDDEN MESSAGES IN SELECT NOLLYWOOD HORROR FILMS

Abstract

Nollywood  horror  films  use  fear  as  a  canvas  to  explore  complex  themes  like  tradition, modernity,  and  spirituality,  revealing  societal  taboos  and  cultural  anxieties.  By  applying Sigmund  Freud's  psychoanalytic  theory,  this  study  analyses  how  fear  is  constructed psychologically and culturally in two films: The Origin: Madam Koi Koi (2023) and Living in  Bondage:  Breaking  Free  (2019).  Through  qualitative  research,  this  study  examines  the imagery, symbolism, and narrative structure of these films to uncover hidden messages. The goal  is  to  understand  how Nollywood  horror  films  reflect  the  collective  unconscious  mind and influence human thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Ultimately, this research highlights the  importance  of  interdisciplinary  approaches  to  understanding  the  media-psychology- culture  nexus  and  recommends  awareness  of  the  unconscious  themes  and  symbolism  in Nollywood horror films.