Folk horror is a subgenre I’ve loved for many years. I was hooked from the moment I first saw The Wicker Man. More recent endeavors like The Witch, Kill List, and Midsommar have renewed interest in the folk horror scene and serve as a logical entry point to get viewers excited about the genre. These films typically play out in a remote, isolated locale and often feature a culture clash between locals and outsiders.
Speaking of the appeal of the genre, Oculus director Mike Flanagan recently professed his appreciation for a folk horror export from Ireland. He was so impressed with the flick that he put together a glowing Letterboxd review, taking care to praise the performances within and noting that the film left a lasting impression on him.
The folk horror flick with which Flanagan is so taken is none other than Aislinn Clarke’s Fréwaka. It’s a slow-burning horror picture which you can currently find streaming on Shudder.
Flanagan’s write-up reads:
“Excellent horror tale that burrowed under my skin early on and stayed there after the credits rolled. Great performances and a wicked tone distinguish this unnerving Irish-language folk horror and create a waking nightmare that slowly eats the protagonist—and the viewer—alive.
Highly recommended for fans of slow-burn, atmospheric horror. Aislinn Clarke is definitely a director to watch.“
What is Fréwaka about?
Shortly after the death of her estranged mother, Shoo, a primary care nursing student, takes a placement in a remote Irish village to care for Peig, a reclusive, elderly woman who lives in fear, haunted by her experiences in a Catholic asylum. The house in the woods holds plenty of dark secrets, and Peig’s paranoia begins to rub off on Shoo, whose own troubled, abusive past begins to catch up with her.
In addition to helming, Aislinn Clarke also wrote Fréwaka. Like Flanagan’s review notes, the film is presented in the Irish language. I know subtitles are off-putting for some. However, this one comes highly recommended, so don’t let that deter you. In addition to securing high-profile fans like Flanagan, the film also resonated with the vast majority of film scholars, many of whom found it atmospheric and technically accomplished. The film holds a stellar critical approval rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes with 26 reviews tallied to date. It has also fared well with movie lovers, boasting a 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.
That is all that we have for you at present, dear reader. Keep an eye out in the near future for more recommendations from noteworthy creators in the genre space.
Categorized:News
