The occult film is a genre that explores supernatural and mystical elements. It often delves into the hidden realms of the human psyche, touching upon esoteric and mysterious subjects. The term "occult" refers to the mystical, magical, and supernatural practices and beliefs that are beyond the realm of traditional religion and scientific understanding. Occult films typically deal with themes such as witchcraft, black magic, astrology, divination, spiritualism, and the occult sciences. They often depict mystical rituals, secret societies, and supernatural phenomena. These films can be both dark and mysterious, as well as intellectually stimulating.
As an occultist who practices traditional witchcraft, some “horror” ceases to be comfort food and takes on a whole new level of meaning that doesn’t necessarily exist for the casual viewer. When it comes to occult horror, I am a more stringent judge of films in terms of authenticity. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite movies dealing with the occult and witchcraft. While I don’t expect every cinematic stab at the subject to be as literal as some of the films on this list, I need to find something within each that resonates true, whether it is theme or imagery, and I believe each film here does that. Furthermore, I say my favorite films, because like all art, while these may resonate with me, they may not with others. Nevertheless, I think each objectively justifies their place on any list of best occult films.
The 2018 remake of Dario Argento s Giallo classic Suspiria , directed by Luca Guadagnino, doesn t get the love it deserves, that s why we ve prefaced this entry with a tiny slice of praise. Released in 1972 and clearly stealing more than a few ideas from the far superior Rosemary s Baby, the film tells the story of a doe-eyed innocent wife who follows her husband to a town ruled by witches.
These films can be both dark and mysterious, as well as intellectually stimulating. One of the earliest examples of an occult film is F.W.
‘History of the Occult’ – Cinedigm and SCREAMBOX Acquire Lovecraftian Horror Movie from Argentina!
Cinedigm announced today they have acquired all North American rights to one of the most successful Latin horror films of all time, History of the Occult, from FilmSharks.
The film, which was successfully released across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, is now ready to make its debut in the US & Canada this December on the Bloody Disgusting-powered SCREAMBOX streaming service.
History of the Occult was notably the highest-rated horror movie of 2021 on Letterboxd‘s Year in Review roundup, as rated by Letterboxd users.
The Lovecraftian horror film, which premiered at the Cannes’ Blood Window sidebar and was also an Official Selection at the Mar del Plata & Sitges Film Festivals, has also been picked up internationally by Netflix and HBO MAX. FilmSharks snapped up worldwide and remake rights to the film with a major U.S. genre producer eyeing it for a remake. A throwback in style and setting, Cinedigm plans to release History of the Occult exclusively on its horror streaming service SCREAMBOX, which is powered by Bloody Disgusting.
From writer/director Cristian Ponce (creator of the animated series “The Kirlian Frequency”)…
“History of the Occult pulls viewers deep into a world of conspiracy and witchcraft.
“Producers of the nightly show ’60 minutes to Midnight’s have been dutifully planning a riveting final broadcast, but even they could not have predicted what their guest, Adrian Marcato, has in store. As the final frames of the legendary show flicker from televisions across the country, Marcato readies himself to expose a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of their nationhood; that the government is aligned with a dangerous supernatural coven.”
During its festival run, the bone-chilling film won the Le Film Français prize at Cannes’ Blood Window sidebar, Best Argentine Breakthrough Performance Actor and the Special Jury Award for Best Latin American First Feature at the Mar del Plata Film Festival. In addition, History of the Occult was nominated for Best Motion Picture at Sitges, Spain’s premier festival specializing in fantasy and horror films.
“Mystery, conspiracy and the supernatural, intrigues and excites something in all of us,” said Brad Miska, Managing Director of Bloody Disgusting. “Cristian (Ponce) melds these themes together in such a brilliant way, making History of the Occult the kind of film viewers can’t look away from. We are thrilled to bring this horror film, which ended up as the highest rated horror film of 2021 on Letterboxd, to our SCREAMBOX viewers!”
Says Guido Rud, CEO of FilmSharks, “History of the Occult is not the kind of film you come across every day. The old rule is now more valid than ever: it’s all about the script, and no matter the size of the film, it can immerse you in less than 10 minutes if a great story is told. When we discovered this gem and it became Spain’s #1 most-watched digital film of the year during 2021, we were able to sell this genre-defining film to major studios around the world in 45 territories. We are elated to strike this deal with one of the best genre labels in North America because of their dedication to the horror genre and its fans.”
History of the Occult stars veteran Argentine actor Germán Baudino (“Abrakadabra,” “Los Olvidados”), Nadia Lozano, Victor Díaz, Héctor Ostrofsky and Agustín Recondo. The film was produced by Pedro Saieg.
The deal was negotiated by Brandon Hill, Manager of Acquisitions, on behalf of Cinedigm and Matias Fontenla, Valeria Fanego and Guido Rud on behalf of Film Sharks.
Even though witches, ouija boards and cloaked satanic figures may be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the occult, filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun asked what such spiritual wonders might look like in the age of contemporary technology. Part horror film, part psychological drama, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is an eerie movie that speaks to the loneliness of the modern digital world and the potential ethereal dangers that exist online.
Murnau's "Nosferatu" (1922), which tells the story of a vampire. This film set the stage for future occult-themed movies and served as an inspiration for later filmmakers. Another notable film in the genre is Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" (1968), which explores themes of witchcraft and Satanism. In recent years, occult films have gained popularity and have attracted a dedicated fan base. These films often blend horror, fantasy, and psychological elements to create a unique viewing experience. Some notable contemporary occult films include "The Witch" (2015), "Hereditary" (2018), and "Midsommar" (2019). Occult films have the power to captivate audiences with their mysterious and otherworldly narratives. They allow viewers to explore the unknown and challenge traditional notions of reality. These films often leave audiences with a sense of intrigue and curiosity, as they raise questions about the nature of the supernatural and the limits of human understanding. In conclusion, the occult film is a genre that delves into the mystical and supernatural. It explores hidden realms of human existence and challenges traditional beliefs. With its unique blend of horror, fantasy, and psychological elements, the occult film continues to capture the imagination of viewers and push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling..
Reviews for "From Salem to Hollywood: The Evolution of the Occult in Film"
1. Rachel - 2/5 - I was really excited to watch "The Occult Film" because I'm a big fan of supernatural movies. However, I was very disappointed with this film. The storyline was confusing and poorly developed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The special effects were also underwhelming. Overall, the film felt rushed and unfinished. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a good occult movie.
2. Mark - 1/5 - "The Occult Film" was a complete waste of time. The acting was terrible, and the dialogue was cringeworthy. The plot made no sense and was filled with unnecessary scenes that added nothing to the story. The cinematography was also subpar. I expected much more from this movie, but it turned out to be a cheap attempt at cashing in on the occult genre. Save yourself the disappointment and avoid this film at all costs.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - As a fan of occult-themed movies, I was excited to watch "The Occult Film." However, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was uneven, with slow moments that dragged on and action sequences that felt rushed. The script was weak and lacked originality. Additionally, the acting was mediocre, failing to bring depth to the characters. Overall, "The Occult Film" failed to deliver a compelling storyline and left me feeling unsatisfied. I would recommend exploring other options within the occult genre before wasting your time on this film.
4. Michael - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The Occult Film" based on the trailer, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to its promise. The plot was convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to follow the story. The film relied too heavily on jump scares and cheap thrills instead of building a suspenseful atmosphere. The acting was mediocre, with performances that felt forced and unnatural. The overall execution of the movie lacked finesse. "The Occult Film" had the potential to be a great addition to the genre, but it ultimately fell flat and left me feeling unsatisfied.