10 Minimalist Horror Films to Watch

Description: This Australian psychological horror film tells the story of a widow and her son who are haunted by a sinister presence from a children's book. Its minimalist approach to horror lies in its focus on emotional and psychological terror, using shadows, silence, and the power of suggestion to create an unsettling atmosphere.

Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its depiction of a mother's mental health struggles. It was also praised for its nuanced portrayal of grief and parenting.

Description: A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, where he begins to suspect that something sinister is afoot. The film's minimalist horror is rooted in its use of social tension, psychological manipulation, and the slow reveal of its true nature.

Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days, and much of the tension was built through the performances of the actors, with minimal special effects or jump scares.

Description: A young woman is pursued by a mysterious entity after a sexual encounter. The film's minimalist horror comes from the simplicity of the premise and the relentless, slow-moving threat, creating a constant sense of dread and paranoia.

Fact: The film was shot in Detroit, Michigan, and the director, David Robert Mitchell, used a lot of long takes to build tension. It was also noted for its unique soundtrack, which adds to the eerie atmosphere.

Description: A father and son coroner team uncover horrifying secrets during the autopsy of an unidentified woman. The film's horror is minimalist in its setting, focusing on the morgue and the slow, methodical process of discovery, using the body itself as a source of terror.

Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding to its authenticity. The actress playing Jane Doe, Olwen Catherine Kelly, was chosen for her unique look, which was crucial to the film's eerie atmosphere.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film explores the psychological and supernatural horror of a Puritan family's life after they are banished from their plantation. Its minimalism is evident in its slow pace, historical accuracy, and the use of natural lighting and sound to build tension.

Fact: The film was shot in a remote forest in Canada, and the dialogue was based on actual 17th-century English. It was also the first film to be released by A24 to win the Directing Award at Sundance.

Description: A former cop investigates the disappearance of a teenage girl, uncovering a sinister urban legend. Its minimalist horror lies in its slow pace, the exploration of existential dread, and the use of empty spaces to evoke fear.

Fact: The film was based on a graphic novel by Cullen Bunn, and its director, David Prior, had to fight to keep its lengthy, atmospheric opening sequence intact.

Description: In a post-apocalyptic world where creatures hunt by sound, a family must live in silence to survive. The film's minimalist horror is in its use of silence as a weapon, creating tension through the absence of noise and the fear of making any sound.

Fact: The film was directed by John Krasinski, who also stars alongside his real-life wife, Emily Blunt. It was noted for its innovative use of sign language and minimal dialogue.

Description: A grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences after the death of their secretive grandmother. Its minimalist horror comes from the slow build-up of dread, the use of unsettling imagery, and the exploration of familial trauma.

Fact: The film was shot in a real house, which was gutted and rebuilt to fit the story's needs. It was also praised for Toni Collette's intense performance, which was considered Oscar-worthy.

Description: Two lighthouse keepers on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s begin to lose their sanity. The film's minimalist horror is in its black-and-white cinematography, the isolation of the setting, and the descent into madness.

Fact: The film was shot in a

Description: In the late 1950s, a switchboard operator and a disc jockey in a small town investigate a mysterious audio frequency that could be of extraterrestrial origin. The film's minimalist horror is in its dialogue-driven narrative, long takes, and the slow reveal of the unknown.

Fact: The film was made on a very low budget, and much of its atmosphere was created through sound design and the actors' performances.