folk horror

The 1973 Robin Hardy film The Wicker Man best embodies the elements that have come to be associated with folk horror. In the film, an outsider (in this case, a detective) enters an insular community (an island of pagans), trying to solve a mystery (the disappearance of a young girl, potentially involving ritual sacrifice) while also grappling with the locals’ strange, antiquated system of beliefs (that revolve around agriculture and fertility).

What is Folk Horror? Rowan Lee 2023

The appeal of cider and donuts is universal, but folk horror might need some defining. Essentially, it’s horror set in remote, isolated areas where nature still holds sway. Well, nature paired with the superstitious beliefs of the locals, who tend to treat unwary outsiders with suspicion (if the outsiders are lucky) or malice (if they’re not).

This horror genre is scary as folk – and perfect October viewing Glen Weldon 2024