Examining the Evolution and Differences in Folk Horror

 We Don't Go Back: A Watcher's Guide to Folk Horror by Howard David Ingham

We Don't Go Back book cover

I was really excited to read this book since there are limited books on Folk Horror. This book specifically focuses on films and classifies them into different kinds of subgenres relating to elements of folk horror. I really appreciated this kind of taxonomy in that Ingram presents themes and ideas that span across many of them, but also looks at historical differences in different studio time periods, as well as cultural differences between American and British types of folk horror, and audience demands and trends in popularity in films. This book is part encyclopedia and part cultural criticism, all wrapped up in a loving pursuit of folk horror. I loved that Ingram is able to examine so many different films, and look for common themes. I really enjoyed learning about many of the older and somewhat obscure British films and series that kind of helped to shape this genre. It was also helpful to read this book while also listening to the podcast The Evolution of Horror, which had a whole season on Folk Horror and also examined many of these films. I personally love Folk Horror—The Wicker Man is one of my all time favorite films, and I think it is one that Ingram holds up as an exemplar of this genre. I really found the American and British differences interesting, thinking about films like Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Tourist Trap in contrast with films like The Wicker Man and The Shout, which I ended up watching as a result of reading this book (it is worthwhile). In fact, I ended up with a long list of films to watch and rewatch as a result of this book, looking for some of the themes, symbols, and other tropes that Ingram analyzes in this amazing book. This is a really worthwhile book to have for anyone that is a fan of horror movies, especially those that are sometimes on the quieter side and somewhat strange. I am hopeful that at some point he revises a new edition that includes some more recent folk horror categories like the incredible La Llorna and the shocking Midsomer, which I would love to read more about and see how Ingram thinks these fit into the genre.