The Unknown as a Motif

• • An integral feature of any horror story is that of the unknown. The unknown is a source of fear and anxiety.
  • When we don't know something, it challenges our sense of comfort and makes the story more suspenseful.
• • Alien uses the terror of the unknown throughout in its depiction of the alien and the havoc that it creates.
  • Not only is the nature and origin of the Alien unknown, but also that once it gets into the ship, none of the crew know where it will be ominously lurking.
  • Victims are approached silently, and they aren't aware of its presence until it's too late.
• • The motif of the unknown brings the theme of mortality.
  • Death is the ultimate unknown and darkness and the greatest threat in horror films.
  • The unknown is terrifying because it holds the promise of violent death.