Horror movie You’re Next may have one of the creepiest marketing techniques of all time

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Times have changed over the years in terms of how movies are marketed. A decade ago, most people had no clue what viral marketing was and now it is expected that every major film or television show has a “multi-platform” presence across various forms of media. Even trailers and movie posters have changed, some not for the better. A decade ago, the term Photoshop nightmare was not used nearly as frequently as it is today.

But, it is nice to know that there are still some unique ideas out there in the world of marketing. Some, like the new posters for the horror film YOU’RE NEXT, offer a distinctly creepy way of getting the movie into your subconscious. Vulture pointed out a pair of posters that, on the surface, look like ads for TYLER PERRY’S TEMPTATION and the comedy THE BIG WEDDING. But, look closer.

Do you see it? These posters have an overlay that looks like the masked killers from YOU’RE NEXT. The effect almost makes it look like the killer is standing behind or next to you if you look at the poster straight on. There is no need for the film’s title to be emblazoned across the image, the subtle creep factor generated by these images is more than enough to bring the movie to the attention of a movie patron who would likely otherwise pass the movie by.

Here’s the synopsis of YOU’RE NEXT:

When a gang of masked, ax-wielding murderers descend upon the Davison family reunion, the hapless victims seem trapped… until an unlikely guest of the family proves to be the most talented killer of all.

YOU’RE NEXT just gained a lot more buzz from me just based on this creative technique alone. I am definitely more intrigued by horror that wants to burrow into your brain rather than bludgeon you to death with violence. YOU’RE NEXT, starring Sharni Vinson, Ti West, and Joe Swanberg, starts staring in windows with animal masks on August 23, 2013.