One wouldn't think that horror cinema would be the best venue to discuss the downfalls of faith, the origins of myth, or the finer points of religious scripture. However, despite plenty of crass examples and lazy references, some horror films bring the real or imagined power of a being we'd call god into nightmarish focus.
For example, The Exorcist may be one of the best known and most highly praised horror films of all time, and it is almost violently soaked with religious text. While that film took its cast of demons and priests to the highest echelon of cinema history, some horror movies touch on similar themes without the same level of success or notoriety.
Apostle
Directed by Gareth Evans of The Raid, this 2018 horror-action thriller is one of the strangest and most visceral experiences in recent memory. While the plot is fairly simple, every new left turn feels like a level of abstraction away from reality. It's a cross between a torture-packed horror film, a martial arts action film, and an inexplicable supernatural event.
Dan Stevens stars as Thomas, a man who travels to an idyllic island beset by a dangerous cult. The group's charismatic leader speaks of sin and blood sacrifice, and the countless devoted followers slavishly follow his word. Thomas must infiltrate the cult to free his sister, who has been kidnapped and held for ransom. While the cult has the air of fire and brimstone preaching, it has a substantially more pagan vibe once the truth begins to become clear. Apostle hides countless bizarre and terrifying secrets beyond its simple premise, and it must be seen to be believed. It's available on Netflix now, try to go in with little further knowledge.
Saint Maud
Though tremendously respected by critics and most audiences, many have still not seen Rose Glass's astounding and groundbreaking directorial debut. Saint Maud is a stellar exploration of the psychological underpinnings of religious thought. The tale focuses on a hospice nurse obsessed with a woman in her care. She descends into unbidden madness as she tries desperately to save the soul of her charge, violently opposing every perceived sin and gradually becoming more involved in her life.
The film dropped only a few years ago, and the fact that Glass was able to find new dimensions to the topic beyond aesthetics is staggering and impressive. With brisk confidence, unshakeable imagery, and a mind-bending presentation, Saint Maud belongs in a place of prominence amongst a far larger audience.
The Wicker Man
No, not the abysmal 2006 Nicolas Cage remake which gave the world "Not the bees." Robin Hardy's 1973 folk horror is much brighter than one might think from the premise. Devout Christian policeman Neil Howie is called to a remote Scottish island in pursuit of a missing young girl after receiving an anonymous letter. Once there, he discovers the island has abandoned the Christian faith in favor of bizarre pagan rituals. While the island's occupants' inexplicable actions don't seem dangerous at first, the investigation turns dark and Howie swiftly finds himself in a nightmarish situation.
With a brilliant score, solid performances, and a clever take on the evolution of religion, this film has earned an immense amount of praise. Though it received tons of rewards in its heyday, the modern public doesn't talk about it very often. Overshadowed by one of the worst remakes of all time, The Wicker Man deserves a look back.
The Serpent and the Rainbow
Voodoo has a long history of being turned into a gimmick by all kinds of media, but this underrated 1988 Wes Craven nightmare explores the finer points of the indigenous faith. Though unquestionably dated, this bizarre film adapts a non-fiction story about a real-life zombie, created by a mysterious brew.
The tale takes place in Haiti, under a tyrannical rule and buffeted on all sides by violent authorities. Bill Pullman stars as a Harvard anthropologist who is sent to discover the bizarre phenomenon in the heavily policed area. With social and religious commentary, this film is far smarter than it looks at first glance. On top of its clever writing and directing, the practical special effects are stellar, an often overlooked standout of the era. Craven's catalog is packed with horror hits, but this one has gone without recognition for too long.
Under the Shadow
At least for an American audience, there's a massive discrepancy in the religious representation in horror cinema. Catholic Apocrypha and pagan myth seem to occupy tons of films, but many other major faiths go unrepresented in modern cinema. The horror of Under the Shadow is two-fold, simultaneously confronting the audience with the nightmare of living in war-torn Tehran and the supernatural fear of the local mysticism.
This film is the directorial debut of British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari, and it is a landmark film in the genre. Under the Shadow is a hidden gem and a rare treasure. There simply isn't enough out there attempting what this film achieves, and almost nothing out there succeeding at this level.