Over the decades, what was once considered a British phenomenon has flourished into a worldwide fascination.
The 2020s, in particular, have seenan explosion of new folk horror movies.
Saloumis a refreshing bit of folk horror that mostly plays as a fantasy adventure mixed witha crime thriller.
Image via Lacmé
The shadowy Harvesters Guild that oversees the town may be a bigger threat than Sawtooth Jack.
However, the plans to transfer the spirit go awry and the family feels like cursed for their failure.
Another thing that makes the story frightening is the idea of inviting a spirit into one’s body.
Image via MGM
The past and present collide in ways that can be fascinatingand terrifying.
However, the film’s eco-horror elements will resonate with viewers concerned about climate change.
The message seems to be that there are some forceswhether natural or supernaturalthat should be left alone.
Image via Magnet Releasing
In the end, both approaches are shown to be misguided.
However, the place where Betriek grew up is unsettling rather than comforting.
Even worse, the women are all discovered to be Betrieks ancestors.
Folk horror is often about the ways that cycles repeat themselves, especially the cycle of death and rebirth.
Folk horror is often about the ways that cycles repeat themselves, especially the cycle of death and rebirth.
But sacrifice can also be a powerful symbol of generational trauma.
The older generations perpetuate harmful practices that the younger generations tryand often failto reject.
Betriek inMolochfinds herself caught up in this same terrifying cycle.
Veronica and Desi both experience nightmares that connect their personal traumas with the historical persecution of women.
Harper’s encounters with the men become more and more disturbing until she finds herself fighting for her life.
The film culminates in one of the strangest, most unsettling sequences of all time.
Regardless of whether the film is successful at making its point, the ending is unforgettable.
Image via Universal
Image via Constantin Film
Image via Neon
Image via XYZ Films
