The Evolution of Horror: Understanding "Karma Porn"

By Thomas Fenton

Let’s get one thing straight: I’ve worked in the trenches of the horror genre. I’ve seen it evolve, splinter, get vilified, and celebrated again. Along the way, I’ve noticed one term that keeps popping up like a cockroach after the credits roll: “torture porn.” It’s lazy. It’s dismissive. And frankly, it misses the point entirely.

I don’t use the term “torture porn” — not when I’m writing, not when I’m pitching, and definitely not when I’m describing the kind of horror stories I want to tell. Instead, I use a term that's more accurate, more honest, and more respectful to the audience: Karma Porn.

What’s Wrong with “Torture Porn”?

“Torture porn” emerged around the mid-2000s. It served as a catch-all to lump together horror films like Saw, Hostel, The Devil’s Rejects, and yes — I Spit on Your Grave 2. These movies dared to show violence not as spectacle, but as consequence. It was a pejorative from the start, a way for critics to sideline the films. They implied these films were mindless, exploitative, and somehow morally bankrupt.

However, the real issue is that most of these films aren’t about torture. They focus on judgment. They address hard questions: What would you do to survive? What are you hiding? What have you done to deserve this? There’s nothing gratuitous about those questions. In fact, that’s what storytelling is. Horror just happens to be the most honest genre about it.

Why “Karma Porn” Makes More Sense

The best horror — the kind that often gets slapped with the “torture porn” label — isn’t about watching people suffer for fun. It’s about watching people receive their comeuppance or narrowly escape it. It’s about moral reckoning.

That’s Karma.

In Saw IV, characters must reckon with their actions — the lies, betrayals, and apathy. They are given a twisted shot at redemption. In I Spit on Your Grave 2, the protagonist faces brutalization but ultimately rises, reclaims her agency, and delivers a calculated, furious response. Her revenge is savage, yes, but it’s also earned.

That’s not exploitation — it’s the return of power. The violence is not the central theme; it’s merely the price. It’s not pornographic. It’s karmic. The term “Karma Porn” reframes the genre, revealing its deeper motivations.

This perspective acknowledges that audiences aren’t merely there to watch blood fly — they seek to see justice unfold, even if that justice is jagged, disturbing, or poetic. It’s not exploitation. It’s catharsis.

Horror as the Great Moral Equalizer

We live in a world where many bad people get away with terrible acts. Horror — particularly so-called “torture porn” — often flips this narrative. No sin goes unpunished in these stories. Cheating, lying, and hurting someone comes back around, fast and hard.

That’s not indulgence. That’s moral order through chaos. If we’re being honest, it sometimes feels really good to witness that justice. This is why “Karma Porn” fits. It scratches that deep-rooted itch where we yearn to believe that actions have consequences, even if the real world often fails to deliver on that promise.

The Cultural Impact of Horror

Horror movies often serve as a reflection of societal fears and anxieties. They dive into the darkest corners of our psyche, tackling subjects that we might otherwise ignore. By showcasing extreme scenarios, horror can lead to valuable discussions about morality, justice, and human nature.

Many horror films ask us to examine ourselves: What would we do in the face of unimaginable scenarios? This sort of introspection is vital. Therefore, horror doesn't just entertain. It informs, provokes thought, and challenges our understanding of right and wrong.

The Role of the Audience

Furthermore, the connection between horror and its audience is crucial. Viewers often bond over shared fears and the collective experience of dread. This camaraderie can foster a deeper appreciation for the genre. It makes us feel alive, confronting our fears in a safe environment.

With this in mind, it’s critical that we approach horror with an open mind. Acknowledging these elements can help us to better understand and appreciate films that might otherwise be dismissed.

Final Thoughts

So no, I don't call it “torture porn.” That’s a phrase invented to belittle filmmakers who had the guts to go dark and tackle difficult questions. I call it Karma Porn — because that’s what it is: A world where justice, however brutal, finds a way. It’s a mirror to our flaws and fears, and sometimes, our need to see balance restored — with a knife, a trap, or a twisted choice.