The Gothic Horror of Racism and Racial Inequality : A Critical Race and Gothic Analysis of Master (2022)

Abstract

This study examines how Gothic elements in the film Master (2022) portray the social horror of racism and how the experiences of Black characters reflect systemic inequality within higher education. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the research applies Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Gothic Theory to analyze selected scenes, dialogues, and visual symbols in the film. The findings reveal that haunted spaces, psychological isolation, and repressed trauma embody the persistence of racial oppression, while systemic racism, tokenism, and microaggressions expose the structural barriers faced by Black individuals in academic environments. The study concludes that Master reimagines the university as a modern “haunted house,” where racial trauma endures beneath the façade of inclusivity. By integrating CRT and Gothic aesthetics, this research contributes to interdisciplinary discussions on how film can visualize the emotional and institutional dimensions of racial inequality.