The Fiction of Gemma Files

Greetings, fellow denizens of the dark! Today, we’re delving into the shadowy world of one of my latest literary discoveries — the horror maestra, Gemma Files. This Canadian horror writer, journalist, and film critic has been causing a stir in the horror genre, and it’s high time we took a closer look at her work.

Files, born across the pond in London, England, before settling in Toronto, Ontario, has a career as diverse and multifaceted as the monsters in her tales. She’s been a film critic, journalist, screenwriter, and teacher before fully immersing herself in the mire and muck of horror fiction. And what a glorious dive it has been!

In this blog post, I’ll be your grim guide through the twisted alleyways of Files’ fiction. We’ll peruse her career, dissect her writing style, and even take a peek at her most acclaimed works. We’ll also unearth the themes that give her work its unique flavor and explore what makes her stand out in the horror realm.

So, fellow fear fanatics, are you ready to traverse the macabre landscape of Gemma Files’ fiction? If so, grab your torch and let’s step into the darkness together. And remember, in the immortal words of H.P. Lovecraft, “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” Let’s embrace the unknown together, shall we?

I. Early Life and Career

Our journey into the grim tapestry of Gemma Files’ literature starts with a look into her past. Born in London, England, on April 4, 1968, Files found her footing in the world of words on the shores of Toronto, Ontario. Before she took her plunge into the abyss of horror literature, she dabbled in various roles – a film critic, a journalist, a screenwriter, and even a teacher. Each of these roles, no doubt, honed her craft and shaped her into the masterful horror writer she is today.

Files’ entry into the horror genre was marked by her short story, “Fly-by-Night”. This chilling tale, published in the early 1990s, not only left readers with goosebumps but also heralded the arrival of a promising new voice in horror. Her writing, from the get-go, was marked by an uncanny ability to meld personal experiences with supernatural elements, creating narratives that were as unsettling as they were compelling.

Her influences are as diverse as the roles she played before becoming a full-time writer. The works of Robert W. Chambers, H.P. Lovecraft, and Thomas Ligotti have left an indelible mark on her writing. But while their influence is palpable, Files is no mere imitator. She pays homage to these giants of horror literature, but also brings her unique voice and perspective to the fore.

Her writing style, rich in themes of mortality, body horror, loss of self, and grief, sets her apart from many of her contemporaries. There’s an intimacy in her narratives, a sense of personal investment that makes the horror more profound. Her characters are not just victims of supernatural occurrences; they are people with lives and histories, their fears rooted in very human experiences.

As we delve deeper into the works of Gemma Files, we’ll see how these influences and her unique style come together to create stories that not only evoke fear but also make us question our own understanding of the world and our place in it. Stay tuned, fellow denizens of the dark, as we embark on this journey into the heart of horror.

II. Notable Works

Now, my fellow explorers of the eerie, let’s plunge into the heart of the darkness. Let’s uncover the blood-curdling tales that have earned Files her place in the pantheon of horror literature. From her acclaimed Hexslinger series to her award-winning novel “Experimental Film,” Files’ works are a testament to her ability to weave tales that are as thought-provoking as they are terrifying.

The Hexslinger series is a masterful blend of Western and horror genres that transports readers to the post-Civil War American Southwest. The series is a trilogy, each book a chapter in a tale of magic, mayhem, and the macabre. “A Book of Tongues” (2010), the first book in the series, introduces us to a world where magic is as real as the gritty dust of the desert and the cold steel of a gunslinger’s weapon. We follow a Pinkerton detective as he infiltrates a gang led by a preacher who wields spells as easily as he does sermons. The sequel, “A Rope of Thorns” (2011), continues the tale, this time focusing on a flamboyantly queer outlaw filled with a god’s dark power. The final installment, “A Tree of Bones” (2012), brings the saga to a close, with an apocalyptic threat looming over the characters.

Each book in the Hexslinger series is a testament to Files’ ability to blend genres and themes seamlessly. The series is a melting pot of queer-positive representation, dark magic, and classic Western elements, all coming together to create a narrative that is as unique as it is gripping.

Moving on from the dusty trails of the Hexslinger series, we find ourselves in the chilling world of “Experimental Film” (2015). This stand-alone novel is a masterpiece of horror literature, earning Files the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novel and the Sunburst Award for Best Adult Novel. The story revolves around a film scholar who stumbles upon a lost film that leads her down a path of terrifying events. The book is a brilliant exploration of female creativity, a lost goddess, and the secret history of Canadian film.

What makes Files’ works truly unique is not just their chilling narratives or their unforgettable characters. It’s the themes she weaves into every tale, the threads of horror, body horror, feminism, intersectionality, and mythology that run through every work.

Each book, each story is a tapestry of terror and thoughtfulness, woven with skill and precision. The patterns that emerge are unique to Files, making her a distinctive voice in the horror genre. In the next part of this blog post, we’ll delve into her short story collections and their significance in her body of work. Stay tuned, fellow denizens of the dark, as we continue our exploration of Gemma Files and her captivating craft.

III. Short Story Collections

Now, let’s shift our gaze from the sprawling narratives of Files’ novels to the distilled terror of her short stories. Files has published several collections of short stories, each one a treasure trove of nightmares, each tale a microcosm of fear.

“Kissing Carrion” (2003) was Files’ first foray into the realm of short story collections. Comprising 17 tales, this collection established Files as a promising new voice in horror. Each story in this collection is a testament to Files’ ability to distil horror down to its most potent form, to create narratives that are as brief as they are terrifying.

Following “Kissing Carrion,” Files published “The Worm in Every Heart” (2004), another collection that delved into various horror themes. The stories here are a showcase of Files’ versatility, her ability to explore different facets of horror within the confines of a short narrative.

“We Will All Go Down Together” (2014) is a unique collection that explores interconnected tales of witchcraft and dark magic. Stories of the Five-Family Coven weave a web of supernatural intrigue and horror, drawing readers into a world where magic is as real and as terrifying as the monsters that lurk in the shadows.

“Spectral Evidence” (2018) is a collection of horror shorts that seek out hidden pockets of terror in everyday life. The stories in this collection are a testament to Files’ ability to find horror in the mundane, to turn the everyday into the eerie.

Her most recent collection, “In That Endlessness, Our End” (2021), continues to explore Files’ signature themes of body horror and existential dread. Each story is a self-contained narrative of terror, a brief glimpse into a world where the supernatural and the terrifyingly real collide.

Files’ short story collections are not just a showcase of her skill as a horror writer. They are a testament to her ability to condense horror into its most potent form, to distil fear down to its essence. Each story, no matter how brief, is a journey into the heart of darkness, a trip into the abyss of fear.

IV. Themes

As we continue our journey through the eerie corners of Gemma Files’ horror fiction, we find ourselves standing at the precipice of a vast and shadowy landscape: the themes that permeate her works. These are the threads that run through her narratives, the dark veins that pulse with dread and unease. They are as varied as they are horrifying, each one contributing to the unique tapestry of her fiction. So, my fellow explorers of the eerie, shall we take a closer look?

1. Horror and the Supernatural

In the tales spun by Files, the supernatural is as real and as tangible as the words on the page. Her stories are steeped in horror, brimming with ghosts, witches, and otherworldly entities that lurk in the shadows. Take, for instance, her novel Experimental Film, which weaves a ghost story around the discovery of a lost film. The supernatural is not just a backdrop in her stories; it is an integral part of the narrative, a force that drives the plot and shapes the characters.

2. Body Horror

Files doesn’t shy away from exploring the grotesque and the macabre. Body horror is a recurring theme in her works, with characters often undergoing disturbing transformations or mutilations. This theme is especially potent in her short stories, where the horror is distilled down to its most visceral form. The result is a narrative that is as horrifying as it is compelling.

3. Feminism and Gender Identity

Files’ works are a testament to her feminist perspective. Her stories often feature strong, complex female characters and explore the societal expectations placed on women. In Experimental Film, for instance, she delves into the pressures faced by women in the arts. But Files doesn’t stop at gender; she also explores themes of intersectionality, examining how gender, sexuality, and race intersect and influence each other.

4. Intersectionality and Social Issues

In her Hexslinger series, Files explores the intersections of gender, sexuality, and race in a supernatural Western setting. Her characters are as diverse as they are complex, each one a reflection of the multi-faceted nature of identity. This exploration of intersectionality adds a layer of depth to her stories, making them resonate with readers on multiple levels.

5. Mythology and Folklore

Files has a knack for incorporating elements of mythology and folklore into her narratives. She draws from various cultural traditions, weaving these elements into her stories in innovative ways. This is evident in her use of figures like Lady Midday in Experimental Film, who is reimagined as a terrifying muse with a dark side. This use of mythological and folkloric elements adds a timeless, universal quality to her horror that resonates with readers across different cultures.

V. What Makes Gemma Files Unique

Now, fellow fear aficionados, we’ve traversed the shadowy landscape of Gemma Files’ career, we’ve delved into the chilling depths of her notable works, and we’ve even unearthed the themes that give her work its unique flavor. Now, let’s turn our torches to what truly sets her apart from the rest of the horror realm. What makes Gemma Files, well, Gemma Files?

There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about Files’ horror that’s difficult to pin down, but let’s give it a shot, shall we?

1. Personal and Autobiographical Elements

Much of Files’ horror is rooted in the personal. Her experiences, her life, her fears, and her triumphs all find their way into her stories. For example, the character in “Experimental Film”, a film critic and mother of a child with special needs, mirrors Files’ own experiences. This personal touch not only adds depth to her characters and narratives but also creates a sense of authenticity that makes the horror all the more tangible and relatable.

2. Blend of Horror Subgenres

Files is a master of the macabre, adept at blending various horror subgenres to create a unique brand of terror. From classic ghost stories and body horror to cosmic horror and folk horror, her stories are a veritable smorgasbord of frights. This seamless blending of subgenres allows her to craft multi-faceted narratives that are as rich as they are terrifying.

3. Queer and Feminist Perspectives

Files’ horror is not just about the supernatural; it’s also about the societal. Her stories often feature strong female characters and explore themes of gender identity and intersectionality. Her Hexslinger series, for example, is known for its queer-positive representation. This focus on social issues not only adds depth to her horror but also provides fresh and thought-provoking content.

4. Integration of Mythology and Folklore

Files’ stories are steeped in mythology and folklore, drawing from various cultural traditions to add depth and richness to her narratives. This is particularly evident in “Experimental Film”, which features Lady Midday, a figure from Wendish folklore. This use of mythological and folkloric elements adds a timeless, universal quality to her horror.

5. Cinematic Influences

Given her background as a film critic, it’s no surprise that Files’ horror has a cinematic quality. Her narratives are often visually rich, structured in a way that mirrors film techniques, and infused with references to cinema. This is particularly evident in Experimental Film, which intertwines the history of Canadian film with a ghost story, exploring the relationship between visual and literary storytelling.

6. Complex Characterization

Files excels in the creation of complex, morally ambiguous characters. Her protagonists are often far from traditional “heroes”, yet they are deeply relatable and compelling. Their psychological depth and the intricate dynamics between them further enhance the horror and suspense in her stories.

7. Exploration of Dark and Taboo Subjects

Files is unafraid to delve into dark and often taboo themes. From necrophilia and autoerotic asphyxiation to the occult and existential dread, she explores these subjects in a raw and unflinching manner, further setting her apart from many other horror writers who may shy away from such themes.

8. Poetic and Lyrical Prose

Files’ writing style is often described as poetic and lyrical. Her beautiful, evocative prose contrasts with the horror and dread of her stories, creating a haunting and effective juxtaposition.

9. Innovative Story Structures

Files is known for experimenting with non-linear and unconventional story structures. This innovative approach adds an extra layer of intrigue to her work and keeps readers engaged, as they piece together the plot and uncover the horror piece by piece.

10. Focus on Psychological Horror

While Files frequently incorporates supernatural elements into her stories, much of her horror is rooted in psychological terror. She masterfully explores themes of mental illness, grief, and existential dread, creating stories that are not just about external threats, but also about the internal struggles of the characters.

VI. In a Nutshell

From her early career as a film critic and journalist to her acclaimed works in horror fiction, Gemma Files has continually pushed the boundaries of the genre. Her unique voice, combined with her ability to seamlessly blend various horror subgenres, personal experiences, and social themes, sets her apart in the field of horror literature. Her stories, whether they are set in the post-Civil War American Southwest or revolve around a lost film with supernatural power, are consistently compelling and thought-provoking.

As a fan of horror literature, I find Files’ works to be a breath of fresh air in the genre. I encourage you all to delve into the eerie, unsettling world of Gemma Files. Explore her Hexslinger series, immerse yourself in the narratives of her short story collections, and lose yourself in the haunting tale of “Experimental Film”. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

After you’ve had a chance to explore her works, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Please feel free to share your impressions in the comments section below. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Files or a newcomer to her works, your insights will definitely enrich our discussion.

If you found this analysis of Gemma Files’ horror literature insightful and want to explore more authors in the genre, don’t forget to subscribe to our Newsletter of Darkness for weekly horror content. We’ll be delving into the works of more horror authors in the future, providing in-depth analyses and tasty recommendations. Stay tuned, fellow denizens of the dark, as we continue to wallow in the magnificent mire that is horror literature at its finest.

Pleasant screams, until next time…