Group
Law, religion and the Supernatural
Unit(s) of assessment: Law
School: Nottingham Law School
What can horror films teach us about law, religion and human rights?
In a new video series, Dr Helen Hall, Associate Professor at Nottingham Law School and an Anglican priest in the Church of England, explores the fascinating relationship between supernatural stories and real-world legal questions.
Drawing on her research into law, religion and belief, human rights and anthropology, Professor Hall examines three popular horror films to explore how they reflect our understanding of exorcism, religious freedom, gender stereotypes and the protection of vulnerable people.
From the dangers of negotiating with demons to the role of women in supernatural stories, discover how these films raise questions that go far beyond the screen.
Please note: These videos contain spoilers for the films discussed.
The Pope's Exorcist: What does exorcism really look like?
Featuring Russell Crowe as a priest battling demonic forces, The Pope's Exorcist delivers many of the familiar elements of supernatural horror. But how accurately does it portray real-world exorcism?
Professor Helen Hall explores the difference between cinematic exorcisms and religious practices in reality, explaining how deliverance ministry is approached within the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions.
She also examines the difficult questions facing lawyers and society when religious practices intersect with the protection of vulnerable people. How can we respect freedom of religion and belief while ensuring that children and people experiencing mental health difficulties are protected from harm?
The Nun II: Challenging the history of women and the supernatural
In The Nun II, women are not simply the vulnerable characters waiting to be rescued. Instead, Sister Irene and a young girl take centre stage, demonstrating physical courage, spiritual strength and determination.
Professor Helen Hall explores how the film challenges traditional representations of women in supernatural stories.
From historical associations between women and witchcraft to the persecution of women accused of being witches, she examines how religious and cultural ideas have shaped perceptions of women over time.
She also considers the film's striking imagery, including its depiction of fire, and how this might connect to Christian ideas about purification, spiritual healing and redemption.
Can a horror film challenge the very stereotypes that have historically made women vulnerable to persecution?
The Exorcist: Believer: Can different faiths work together against evil?
In The Exorcist: Believer, characters from different backgrounds work together in an attempt to save two young girls.
Professor Helen Hall explores the long-standing debate about whether demons can ever be safely summoned or negotiated with, drawing on historical examples of attempts to harness supernatural powers.
She also examines the film's portrayal of different faiths working together, considering both the positive message of cooperation and the limitations of suggesting that exorcism means the same thing across cultures.
The film raises important questions about religious freedom, cultural differences and how legal systems should respond to practices that may pose risks to vulnerable people.
Related staff
Explore law beyond the classroom
From religious freedom and human rights to historical persecution and cultural beliefs, these films demonstrate how fascinating and unexpected legal questions can emerge from everyday popular culture.
At Nottingham Law School, students are encouraged to think critically, explore different perspectives and consider how law interacts with the world around them.
Discover how studying law at Nottingham Law School can help you explore complex issues, challenge assumptions and develop the skills to understand the legal questions shaping society.