Representation of bi folks has been difficult over the years. There is still resistance to the idea that bi people are real and not a mythical creature made up by those who are simply confused. And there is still the struggle to recognize that one’s relationship does not necessarily change or define their sexuality. Representation has gotten better, especially in television. These characters have more time to develop, grow, and date multiple partners. But saying that bi, bi-coded, or other people identifying as sexually fluid (pansexual, demisexual, polysexual, queer, etc.) have not been represented throughout film history would be misleading.
For the purpose of this piece, “bi” is used to define those who show attraction to their gender and those of other genders. Not often is it explicitly said, and many do not engage in sex. But plenty is coded when it comes to the spectrum of sexual fluidity.
Horror is a haven for queer-coded characters, so here is a list of our favorite characters with such characteristics.
Our Favorite Bi Coded Characters in Horror
Lee – Bones and All (2022)
Timothée Chalamet portrays another bi character who enjoys feasting on human flesh. While the story centers on the blossoming romance between Lee and another cannibal, Maren (Taylor Russell), Lee does have sexual relations with a male carnival worker whom he later feasts upon.
Theodora – The Haunting (1963)
Shirley Jackson’s Haunting of Hill House, is a classic queer coded story. The 1999 adaptation makes Theodora come off as sexually promiscuous, but in the 1963 version, she has an intimate relationship with Eleanor (Julie Harris), and it alludes to a relationship with a woman back home. She also flirts with others in the house like Luke (Russ Tamblyn) which makes Eleanor jealous.
James – Crash (1996)
Many characters in this J.G. Ballard adaptation show sexual fluidity. But there’s a focus on the protagonist James (James Spader) and the car crash sex cult leader Vaughn (Elias Koteas). There is initially resistance, it culminates in a particularly passionate and violent sexual encounter.
Jennifer – Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Jennifer is one of the few who make their identity clear, announcing, “I go both ways” by the film’s end. Meghan Fox has made her bisexual identity clear, so it is no surprise her character does the same. Jennifer seduces multiple men along with her best friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) who she kisses in one of the steamier scenes. She’s a monstrous femme and queer horror icon.
Valeria – Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022)
This recent Mexican folk horror focuses on Valeria (Natalia Solián) whose pregnancy puts increasing strain on relations with her husband. This puts her back into the arms of former lover Octavia (Mayra Batalla), leading to a memorable passionate sex scene.
Phillip – Rope (1948)
This queer coded classic focuses on Brandon (John Dall) and Phillip (Farley Granger) who kill a friend to prove they can commit the perfect crime. Granger specifically identified as bisexual. The murder is intimate and has the weight of a forbidden sexual encounter. Phillip is a nervous wreck throughout the film, much like someone uncertain about their identity.
May – May (2002)
May (Angela Bettis) just wants a lover. She is infatuated with Adam (Jeremy Sisto) but he pushes her away. This leads her to Polly (Anna Faris). But Polly wants an open relationship, which sends May spiraling. May is less concerned about gender than she is about commitment.
Josef – Creep (2014)
There is a level of intimacy Josef (Mark Duplass) has with his victims. First Aaron (Patrick Brice) and then Sara (Desiree Akhavanin) in the sequel. There is a focused and sexually charged nature to it. The announcement of The Creep Tapes show also happened during Pride month. Coincidence? Perhaps. Maybe more will be revealed in the show.
Miriam – The Hunger (1983)
Vampires are the queerest of horror monsters. Eternal life would be bland without a bit of exploration. Miriam (Catherine Deneuve) is a serial monogamist but she cannot give eternal life, she can only extend it. When her current lover John (David Bowie) begins to die she looks for her next relationship. She ultimately finds a sexual connection with Sarah (Susan Sarandon).
Trapper – Godzilla x Kong (2024)
For queer kaiju lovers, we understand what Wingard is throwing at us. Not only do we get a kaiju throuple; Godzilla, Kong, and Mothra the human story mirrors it. This centers on Trapper (Dan Stevens), who is always bathed in bisexual lighting, pairing him with former lover Ilene (Rebecca Hall) and a blossoming connection with Bernie (Brian Tyree Henry).
Tomie – Tomie (1998)
Fans of Manga artist Junji Ito may not know that his series Tomie has been adapted into 9 films since the late 90s. Bi-coding is in many of the films but especially in this first entry where Tomie (Miho Kanno) haunts and steals the boyfriends of her former best friend Tsukiko. This acts as a way to get closer to Tsukiko, much like Jennifer does to Needy in Jennifer’s Body.
Dr. Frank-N-Furter – Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
There is surely a better label for this fluid alien from Transexual, Transylvania, but Frank (Tim Curry) seems ready to pounce on anyone who catches his eye. Which forces others to question their sexuality such as; Brad (Barry Bostwick), Eddie (Meatloaf), and Rocky (Peter Hinwood). Few pleasures are off the menu in this cult classic.
Jackie – Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
One of the newest entries to the bi club is Jackie (Katy O’Brian) a central character in this sapphic thriller. While her relationship with Lou (Kristen Stewart) is an all encompassing kind of love, Jackie does engage in sex play with JJ (Dave Franco). But as we know, just because you are in a sapphic love story does not mean your bi identity gets erased.
One of the best things about film is fluid interpretations, much like sexuality and gender. There are plenty of other characters that could make this list and in the future we can only hope that more are out and proud and less coded.