Camille Monfort might not be a household name, or even a familiar one at that, unless you happen to be somewhat of a connoisseur of vampire legends. Born in the mid-1860s into a privileged environment, she was eventually known as an extraordinarily beautiful opera singer with a self-made luxurious lifestyle. Despite her reputation, very little was truly known about Monfort, but the tales and mysteries that surrounded her captivate people even today. Whether it was her famous champagne baths or the idea that she was a vampire, it was that unknown and unexplainable quality that kept audiences mesmerized.
In the stories we invest in, the games we play, the casinos we gamble at, and the TV shows we binge, we still chase that quality of unpredictability. After all, it’s human nature. There are many psychologically stimulating aspects to it, including the biological dopamine release, the sense of challenge, and the chase of a mystery.
Legends That Bite
Before and after Camille Monfort took the stage, vampire legends had already made their way across Europe and elsewhere. Perhaps you’ve heard of the countless stories of Count Dracula or the serial killer Elizabeth Bathory. Eastern European folklore sets the perfect stage for these figures to haunt our imaginations and take on symbols of fear and the unknown. And because their actual existence and qualities couldn’t be proven, they remain legends that continue to both fascinate and terrify. That intrigue explains why the idea of the vampire has been adapted and reinvented in teen romance novels like Twilight, allowing the myth to live on through generations.
The long-term mystery means we get to continue asking questions like “What would it mean if vampires really did exist?”, “Could my weird neighbor be one of them?” or “What would the world be like if they walked among us?”
Why the Unknown Calls to Us
Humans are naturally drawn to concepts they can’t fully explain. Call it curiosity or a desire to be in on the secret, but the attraction to uncertainty is hardwired in our brains. And it doesn’t always have to come in the form of a good ol’ vampire mystery. Oftentimes, it could simply be interesting gossip, a locked door, or a strange internet mystery you happened to come across. Psychologists explain this as a dopamine response triggered by the unknown. While dopamine can come from safety and comfort, it can equally come from solving a puzzle or anticipating what comes next. It’s a bit of a contradictory concept. Regardless, that chase can make us lean in and even obsess over our lack of understanding.
These human instincts are exactly why so many true crime channels dominate YouTube and why conspiracy theories spread like wildfire. Our minds thrive on that curiosity because it promises thrill and excitement.
Mystery in Stories and Screens
Over time, people took that knowledge of human curiosity and applied it to new forms of entertainment. They figured out it worked, so why not capitalize on it? Mystery is practically everywhere on our screens and in our stories. Think the novel Gone Girl or even the supernatural show Stranger Things. Writers and creators continue to figure out exactly how to use that psychological pull to rope audiences in, and we fall for it every time with absolute pleasure.
And mystery spans genres. Science fiction ventures into unknown planets, and thrillers incorporate shocking reveals. Part of the fun comes from testing our predictions, as we don’t just wait for the answers but try to anticipate them ourselves. We might piece together clues or look for those hidden Easter eggs that try to convey something.
Testing Fate and Chasing Luck
Beyond stories and screens, our desire for the uncharted is mirrored in instances of chance and luck. Placing a bet on a sports game or spinning the slot reels are both prime examples of these types of experiences. With every moment charged with possibility, it explains why people go to casinos, host poker nights, and download iGaming apps. The lucrative combination of challenge, reward, and risk makes these experiences addictive and gives us the illusion of control in a world ruled by chance.
Fantasy sports leagues, choosing to play the best slot machines online, and participating in the lottery are all unique ways that we seek out “controlled” encounters with uncertainty. Without the real danger of serious loss, we can enjoy the exciting part of the equation safely.
Comfort in Certainty
Despite all the psychological evidence for our fascination with what we don’t know, many people find greater satisfaction in predictability. Clear rules and structure can be comforting, taking away the potential stressors of anxiety or threats. When situations and outcomes are predictable—like when you watch a familiar sitcom or use a tried-and-true recipe in the kitchen—you can anticipate exactly what happens next. These people will likely skip going to the casino or watching a scary movie and instead gravitate toward procedural shows with predictable formulas or play sudoku.
The Never-Ending Question of “What If”
What does the legend of Camille Monfort, movies that have us on the edge of our seats, and following the roulette ball as it lands have in common? They all revolve around the captivating question of “what if.” That human craving has shaped our games, stories, shows, and everyday lives, stirring up a wave of emotions at every turn. When experiences push the boundaries of what we know, many of us can’t help but feel that irresistible pull.