Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror is a documentary film that explores the history of black horror cinema. The film examines the portrayal of black people in horror movies from the 1920s to the present day and features interviews with actors, filmmakers, and scholars.
The documentary is based on the book "Horror Noire: Blacks in American Horror Films from the 1890s to Present" by Robin R. Means Coleman. The film includes archival footage and clips from classic horror movies, as well as interviews with Jordan Peele, Tony Todd, Rachel True, Ernest Dickerson, and others.
The anthology film, which was released in 2021, was inspired by the documentary and features six short horror stories from black writers and directors. Each segment explores a different horror trope, such as the haunted house, the evil spirit, and the slasher film.
"Daddy" is about a young girl who is haunted by the ghost of her abusive father. "Bride Before You" follows a bride-to-be who discovers a dark secret about her fiancé's family. In "Brand of Evil," a woman seeks revenge on the man who murdered her sister. "The Lake" is about a group of friends who go on a camping trip and encounter a terrifying creature. "Sundown" follows a man who discovers that his new job at a funeral home comes with a supernatural twist. "Fugue State" is about a woman who wakes up in a hotel room with no memory of how she got there.
Overall, Horror Noire and its anthology film serve as a celebration and exploration of black horror cinema and its impact on the genre.