Occult horror cinema draws from a rich tapestry of global spiritual traditions, ancient beliefs, and forbidden knowledge to explore humanity’s relationship with unseen forces. These films examine the intersection of power and morality, often revealing how ordinary people respond when confronted with the supernatural.In cinema, “occult” typically refers to films featuring supernatural practices, esoteric knowledge, witchcraft, Satanism, or other hidden spiritual forces that influence the narrative and characters' fates.What unites these films is their exploration of transgression. Often, these characters cross spiritual, moral, or natural boundaries in pursuit of power, knowledge, or revenge. The most effective occult films use supernatural elements to examine human concerns. This article examines seven notable occult films that demonstrate the subgenre's range and artistic potential, spanning different eras, cultures, and filmmaking approaches.7 Notable Occult Films Worth Discovering1. A Dark Song (2016) Liam Gavin’s A Dark Song follows a grieving mother, Sophia (Catherine Walker), who, with the help of an occultist, Joseph (Steve Oram), performs a seance to contact her deceased son’s guardian angel to get closure from her grief. The film gradually reveals that her true motivation is revenge against those who killed her child. What sets A Dark Song apart is its commitment to depicting authentic occult practices. Gavin researched actual ceremonial magic traditions, particularly the Abramelin operation, to create an unusually realistic portrayal of lengthy, demanding ritual work.A Dark Song utilizes a confined space to its advantage, amplifying claustrophobia and tension, while underscoring the inevitable consequences of these characters’ actions. 2. Belladonna of...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Today