I was recently struck, upon reading the Netflix description of David Cronenberg's Scanners, at the use of the phrase sci-fi/horror to describe the movie. In fact, I may have taken umbrage with it, had I known at the time what umbrage was and how to take it appropriatey. What struck me was the idea that a movie can be both things, one foot planted in the dark fantasy of horror and the other in the speculative fiction of sci-fi. In short, I just don't think the two can exist in equal parts, and, furthermore, that most of the examples I could think of were far more horror than sci-fi.

Example, you say? Let's start with the mother of all space-set horror films, Alien. Yes, Virginia, Alien is a horror film. But it's set in space, you say? Doesn't matter. To me, science fiction is a genre that has more to do with the technology of a world and how its inhabitants use or misuse that technology, often to allegorical effect. 2001: A Space Odyssey is unquestionably a science fiction film, despite the terrifying character of the HAL 9000. It is a film that examines space travel and its dangers, as well as the limitless possibilities of discovery in an amazing way. It's a terrific movie, no question. And it is very much a science-fiction film. Its ability to demonstrate what life is like aboard the ship is still unparalleled. Now, let's turn our attention to Alien. Sure, it's set on a spacecraft, and there are science fiction elements present, but this is a horror movie. It's the boogeyman film set in a place remote enough to resolve every horror writer's dilemma: why don't they just leave? The spaceship means they can't. The crew of the Nostromo is forced to deal with this monster set loose on their ship. Think it's still science fiction? Watch the scene of Dallas stalking through the air vents to locate the creature and I think you'll see my point.

Likewise, Event Horizon is a prime example of this phenomenon. The sci-fi angle is present, certainly, with a ship using a new device to travel great distances and the rescue team out to divine the secrets of space travel. But the ship didn't just go to another galaxy. The Event Horizon went to Hell and brought back something with it. That's a horror movie, gang. It's the ghost ship of legend, only in space. And it delivers some fine scares upon it's return, too.

I have no issue with science fiction, though it’s not my first love.  I can only tell you that, even though a film may contain its sci-fi elements, most of these films fall squarely into the realm of horror. Even Jason X, which we, as a horror community, will claim in deference to science fiction's dignity. Can science fiction and horror exist within the same film? Absolutely. But one will always be driving. Forbidden Planet is a good example of a film that is almost pure science fiction, despite the horror of the id-creature. One of the genres has to be in the forefront, creating the tone and expectations for the viewer. If you have an example of a film that balances evenly between the two, I'd love to hear it. For my money, it doesn't exist, and can't. Now, discuss...