Codes and Conventions Of A Supernatural Horror

Basics
The storyline of a supernatural horror usually revolves around:

• a particular death,
• a sign from the unknown.

Supernatural horrors also generally incorporate a witch, form of demon or a possessed individual. This supernatural being typically causes an unexplainable event which wouldn't be believed by other people. Supernatural horrors often tend to scar the characters and audience into believing that what's happening could be possible.

Plot
Supernatural horrors often require the protagonist to discover evidence about the supernatural being's past life. They may typically find wet footprints, hand marks, dripping blood, etc, to make the characters grow suspicious as to why they are being targeted. Clues then unfold which eventually reveal what/who the supernatural being is, how they died and how to get rid of them. An attic or room which cannot be opened or photographs of past lives are often featured.

Location
The location of characters are ordinarily 'the home of the living which used to belong to the dead.' The living invading the space of the dead is conventionally met with signs of the dead's presence, such as:

• flickering candles,
• doors locking,
• doors banging and creaking,
• creaking floorboards,
• footsteps,
• dark shadows from keyholes,
• the spirit in photos,
• objects moving and/or going missing, etc.
• an isolated area

Characters
The characters can decide to join the spirit/demon/possessed individual, causing the audience to either see this and be placed in a position of dramatic irony, or, to be put in a position of restricted narration which features a twist ending when it is finally revealed to the audience that the character was on the 'bad side' all along.
Young children are very impressionable and are more willing to see ghosts and spirits due to their optimistic and vivid imaginations. Women are thought to be more emotional and therefore more receptive to spirits. As a result, both women and children are commonly chosen as characters in supernatural horrors because it is more accurate and relatable to the audience, therefore making is more believable and, in turn, scarier.

Cinematography
Unnatural shots, such as close ups and extreme close ups, are often used to intensify tension in conjunction with varied camera angles, which allow an increased dramatic effect. However, the scenes are made to be realistic to make the audience believe that the events are actually happening - a hand-held camera may assist with this.
The lighting is also extremely key - most frequency little, low-key lighting is used to create a sombre tone and ominous atmosphere.

Examples
1. Carrie - Carrie is a supernatural horror based around the idea of an isolated, religious schoolgirl who has supernatural powers and uses them for evil. At the end of the film (2002 version), a female teacher is suggesting to the police that Carrie has supernatural powers and caused all of the deaths at her school. The male police officer refuses to believe her. This aligns with conventions of female characters being more receptive to spirits in supernatural horrors as well as keeping to the code in which a supernatural event occurs which isn't believe by other people.
2. The Conjuring - The Conjuring is a supernatural horror in which two paranormal investigators attempt to help a family who claim to be terrorised by an evil presence in an alienated farmhouse. The Conjuring clearly sticks to the codes and conventions of a supernatural horror as there is objects moving, little lighting and doors banging in addition to scenes in which clues unfold to reveal what the supernatural being is and why the innocents are being targeted.
3. Paranormal Activity - Paranormal Activity is another supernatural horror that sticks to the codes and conventions of the genre. The film does this through the use of little lighting, female characters being possessed by demonic beings and objects constantly moving without human connection.