Waddell locates the study of South African horror film within the international canon. His analytical terrain questions exceptionalism and identifies socially indicative meta intertexts. The nuanced study embraces the local in terms of the apartheid and Cold War eras when monsters and demons lurked everywhere. Via an internationalization of South African film studies, Waddell excavates films, directors and narratives often underplayed by contemporary scholars. This work is a game changer – it is a 'post horror' examination that draws South African film into the global mainstream.

Keyan G Tomaselli, Distinguished Professor, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, and recipient of the Simon “Mchunu” Sabela Heroes and Legends Award

Waddell's work on South African horror cinema constitutes a significant contribution to the field of global horror studies, addressing a notable lacuna in existing scholarship. Beyond providing nuanced interpretations of the films themselves, Waddell meticulously contextualizes and critically examines this cinematic tradition within its intricate historical, political, and reception frameworks.

Mikel J Koven, Senior Lecturer in Film Studies, University of Worcester, UK