How might the uncanny valley hypothesis explain the appeal of undead figures?

The uncanny valley hypothesis suggests that as robots or rendered figures become increasingly similar to humans in appearance and behavior, they can elicit feelings of unease or discomfort when they approach but do not completely achieve human likeness. This concept can be applied to undead figures, such as zombies or vampires, which often possess human traits but are also distinctly different from living beings. The appeal of undead figures lies in their portrayal of familiar human characteristics alongside an unsettling or eerie presence.

When these figures evoke familiarity—through their human-like features or behaviors—yet exhibit traits that signal they are not fully alive or are grotesque in nature, they tap into a complex psychological response. This duality creates an attraction that is laced with discomfort, enhancing the interest in undead narratives as they resonate with themes of mortality, identity, and what it means to be human. Such figures captivate audiences by provoking reflection on life and death, thus drawing upon the uncanny valley effect in a powerful way.