Jon Towlson

Jon Towlson is a British film critic, journalist, and author known for his extensive work on horror and genre cinema. He has written several books exploring the cultural and historical significance of films, particularly in the horror and science fiction genres. Some of his notable works include titles like Subversive Horror Cinema: Countercultural Messages of Films from Frankenstein to the Present, Candyman, The Turn to Gruesomeness in American Horror Films, 1931-1936, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Global Horror Cinema Today, and Dawn of the Dead. His writing often delves into how films reflect societal issues, historical contexts, and subversive themes.

Towlson is a regular contributor to publications like Starburst Magazine and has also written for the British Film Institute (BFI) and various academic and popular journals. Beyond writing, he lectures in film and media at institutions such as the University of Leeds and the University of York. He’s also involved in the film industry more broadly, contributing essays and commentary to Blu-ray releases for companies like Arrow Films and hosting the Friday Night Frights horror podcast for Starburst. His work has earned him nominations for the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards, recognizing his contributions to horror research and criticism. Based in the UK, he’s a respected voice in the study and appreciation of genre cinema.

Jon is the author of the Dark Thrills series for Clarence Hamilton Press : A chilling series of psychological and occult thrillers where voyeurism, obsession, and dark rituals collide.