CultureAugust 15, 2026

surrealism

suh-REE-uh-lih-zum

Definition

An artistic and cinematic style that seeks to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind by juxtaposing irrational, dreamlike, or bizarre imagery.

Etymology

Derived from the French 'surréalisme,' combining 'sur-' (meaning 'above' or 'beyond') and 'réalisme' (realism). It was coined in the early 20th century to describe an avant-garde movement that aimed to resolve the contradictory conditions of dream and reality.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how 'Under the Skin' creates its unsettling tone by leaning into strange, dreamlike sequences rather than relying on traditional, grounded horror tropes.

The 25 Greatest Horror Movies of the 21st Century, Ranked

Read the full article ↗

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