You can find horror content on multiple streaming platforms, but Shudder is where the genre truly comes alive. While others dabble in the occasional scare, Shudder is fully dedicated to serving up nightmares in every form. We're talking slashers, supernatural terrors, psychological horrors, and everything in between. Overall, Shudder is the ultimate destination for die-hard horror fans craving a nonstop stream of terror.
However, there is one particular horror film that I'd like to discuss in this article, which is currently streaming on Shudder. In my opinion, it's criminally underrated and deserves far more attention than it has received. It's the 2020 supernatural horror film The Dark and the Wicked, aka the type of horror flick that'll leave you disturbed in the best way. It blows my mind that this movie isn't talked about more in horror circles because it truly delivers an unforgettable, unsettling experience.
The Dark and the Wicked was written and directed by Bryan Bertino, the same creative behind The Strangers and The Blackcoat's Daughter. It centers around two siblings, Michael and Louise, who return to their family farm in Texas to care for their dying father, only to find themselves confronted by an overwhelming and sinister presence. Marin Ireland stars in the leading role as Louise, with Michael Abbott Jr. in the other leading role as Michael.
It's something about that slow, creeping sense of dread that builds with every passing moment in this movie, pulling you into a state of discomfort without ever rushing the terror. This film doesn’t rely on quick scares or fast-paced horror. Instead, it expertly creates an atmosphere of tension that grows and intensifies, holding you in a grip of unease for its entire runtime. It's a slow-burn, but boy does it pay off. It takes its time to unsettle you, allowing the terror to quietly sink in, so when the terrifying moments do come, they feel all the more visceral. And let me tell you, when the terrifying moments do hit, they hit hard.
The Dark and the Wicked is a dark, bleak, and eerie film with an almost suffocating atmosphere that amplifies the psychological horror at its core. The film doesn’t just rely on supernatural elements. It delves deep into the psychological toll of grief, guilt, and isolation, making the horror feel all the more personal and real. The characters find themselves in a situation where their emotional and psychological states become just as frightening as the supernatural forces lurking around them. It’s this mix of personal turmoil and supernatural terror that makes The Dark and the Wicked a deeply disturbing experience.
If you consider yourself a horror fan and haven’t yet seen The Dark and the Wicked, it’s time to rectify that. With its deliberate pacing, unsettling atmosphere, and psychological depth, it's the type of film that stays with you long after the credits have finished. So, stop what you're doing and head on over to Shudder. It's time to discover one of the most haunting and unnerving horror movies in recent years.