Unveiling Socio-Political Horrors: Analysing Anita Rocha da Silveira's Medusa

This research paper delves into the socio-political allegories embedded in Anita Rocha da Silveira's films, particularly focusing on "Medusa." Drawing on the stark realities of Brazilian culture, especially in Rio de Janeiro, the films provide a critical lens on the rising far-right, religious extremism, and the political climate under President Bolsonaro.
A central focus of this paper is the exploration of transgressive behaviour as a potent tool for escaping oppression within the film. Through meticulous analysis of character dynamics and plot intricacies, it unveils how transgression becomes a narrative device, empowering characters to challenge and navigate oppressive societal structures.
Contextualising "Medusa" within the broader framework of political and feminist horror films, the paper establishes a parallel between da Silveira's work and internationally acclaimed films like "The Purge" and "The Hunt," which openly critique Trump's era while maintaining commercial viability, and post-MeToo feminist films like "Revenge" (2017), "Black Christmas" (2019), and "The Other Lamb" (2019). Through this lens, it examines how "Medusa" aligns itself with a global movement within horror cinema, positioning itself as a force of socio-political criticism transcending national boundaries. This comparative analysis reveals how da Silveira's narratives transcend borders, offering a unique perspective on the global struggle against oppressive ideologies.
Ultimately, this research positions Anita Rocha da Silveira, along with Brazilian horror, as integral contributors to a global movement within the horror genre—an impactful force for socio-political criticism. "Medusa" emerges not only as a film within its cultural and political context but as a representative piece in the worldwide conversation on horror as a potent tool for dissecting and challenging socio-political norms.