Teen Horror, Elevated: The Gothic Visual Style of Sabrina in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’

‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ isn’t just another teen supernatural drama—it’s a visual feast that redefines the genre through its rich, gothic aesthetic. From the flicker of candlelight in the Spellman mortuary to the shadowy cathedrals of the Church of Night, the show elevates teen horror with a bold and deliberate visual style that feels both vintage and subversively modern.

What sets Sabrina apart from other teen horror series is its commitment to a cohesive, gothic visual language. The show's colour palette is dominated by deep reds, blacks, and muted earth tones, evoking the chiaroscuro of classic horror films. Whether it’s the crimson glow of a ritual or the mist-covered woods of Greendale, every frame seems to whisper that something dark and ancient is watching.

Image Courtesy: Plugged In

Production designer Lisa Soper and costume designer Angus Strathie helped craft a world where the 1960s fashion and architecture mingle with timeless occult imagery. Sabrina herself is often styled like a retro heroine—headbands, capes, and Peter Pan collars—while surrounded by characters in ceremonial robes or Victorian garb. This fusion of time periods creates an eerie timelessness, reinforcing the idea that witchcraft, in this universe, is eternal and ever-present.

The gothic atmosphere also serves a narrative function. The horror in ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ isn’t just about monsters or blood—it’s about the creeping dread of societal control, religious extremism, and moral compromise. The elaborate interiors, shadowed corridors, and fog-shrouded cemeteries all mirror the show's core themes: identity, rebellion, and sacrifice. These visual elements heighten the tension without relying on jump scares, instead creating a slow-burning unease that lingers long after each episode ends.

Image Courtesy: CBR

Even the cinematography contributes to this haunting tone. The use of soft-focus edges, especially in the first season, creates a dreamlike—or nightmarish—quality, as if viewers are peeking into a forbidden world not meant for mortal eyes. This stylistic choice drew mixed reactions but undeniably reinforced the surrealism and isolation Sabrina experiences as she straddles two worlds.

In an age where teen dramas often lean heavily on gloss and glam, ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ dared to be dark, textured, and theatrical. By embracing gothic horror and visually articulating its themes, the show didn’t just tell spooky stories—it immersed viewers in them. It’s horror, yes—but with velvet gloves, ancient grimoires, and a devilish grin.

–Farheen Ali