Alfonso Cuarón on Venturing into Horror and His Reflections on the ‘Harry Potter’ Collaboration with J.K. Rowling

During a recent masterclass at the Locarno Film Festival, acclaimed director Alfonso Cuarón expressed his fascination with the horror genre. Known for his versatile filmography that spans from “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” to “Roma,” Cuarón revealed a growing interest in exploring horror, setting himself apart from his friend and collaborator Guillermo del Toro, whose work often leans towards fantasy and metaphysical themes.

Cuarón is drawn to more realistic horror elements and has been inspired by classics like Roman Polanski’s “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Tenant.” His career, marked by a blend of commercial hits and critical acclaim, has led him to consider this new direction.

Reflecting on his journey, Cuarón discussed his initial reservations about directing “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” a project he embraced only after being impressed by J.K. Rowling’s storytelling. He admired Rowling’s ability to weave a narrative that transcended mere magic, focusing instead on the transition from childhood to adolescence and the societal context of the characters.

The experience on “Harry Potter” proved formative for Cuarón’s subsequent work. He used the skills acquired from this film to tackle complex visual effects in projects like “Children of Men” and “Gravity.” Despite “Children of Men” facing initial commercial setbacks, Cuarón’s resilience led to the creation of “Gravity,” which marked a remarkable career resurgence.

Cuarón’s approach to “Roma” was a radical departure from his previous methods, involving a unique writing and filming process that eventually took an emotional toll. He likened this experience to a form of self-exploration, likening it to undergoing a form of therapy.

Looking ahead, Cuarón is set to direct the series “Disclaimer” for Apple TV+, featuring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, with its release scheduled for October 11.