Elevators represent liminal space.
The thing about elevators in scary stories is that they represent safety and vulnerability at the same time.
As long the elevator is running, you are completely safe. However, when it stops and door opens, you are thrown into the unknown; the elevator is certainly a deathtrap if the door opens into something evil.
It actually reminded of survivor stories about tall building fires. If you use the elevator, there is a chance that the floor you land in will engulfed with hellfire.
In my opinion, what makes it effective for creepy plots is the "safehouse" effect, the unknownness, and the inevitability (you can't stop the elevator, it just goes and stop at floor, without any concerns for what lies behind the door), and vulnerability.
The thing about elevators in scary stories is that they represent safety and vulnerability at the same time.
As long the elevator is running, you are completely safe. However, when it stops and door opens, you are thrown into the unknown; the elevator is certainly a deathtrap if the door opens into something evil.
It actually reminded of survivor stories about tall building fires. If you use the elevator, there is a chance that the floor you land in will engulfed with hellfire.
In my opinion, what makes it effective for creepy plots is the "safehouse" effect, the unknownness, and the inevitability (you can't stop the elevator, it just goes and stop at floor, without any concerns for what lies behind the door), and vulnerability.
Last edited:
