A splatter film is a subgenre of horror cinema characterized by its explicit depiction of graphic violence and gore. These films often focus on shocking the audience with extreme scenes of bloodshed, dismemberment, and other visceral effects. The intent is to provoke a strong emotional reaction, often blending horror with dark humor. Typically, splatter films feature low budgets and are produced by independent filmmakers. They gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, with notable examples including George A. Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" and Peter Jackson's "Braindead." While often criticized for their excess, splatter films have a dedicated cult following.