If you were captivated by the eerie atmosphere and psychological depth of Matriarch (2018), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share its haunting themes of family secrets, supernatural dread, and emotional turmoil. Whether you're a fan of slow-burning horror or dark family dramas, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic ghost story with a slow-burning mystery and psychological horror elements, featuring a haunting atmosphere and themes of maternal protection.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in Spain. Nicole Kidman's character wears a corset so tight it caused her to faint during filming.
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The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
Description: A bleak rural horror about family trauma and demonic forces, featuring slow-building tension and disturbing imagery in an isolated farm setting.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days on a working farm in Texas. Many of the disturbing sound effects were created using animal bones.
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The Babadook (2014)
Description: Psychological horror that uses a monster metaphor to examine grief, depression, and the dark side of motherhood, with a claustrophobic atmosphere.
Fact: The pop-up book featured in the film was created by a professional book artist and only two copies were made. The film was shot in just 27 days.
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The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: A chilling supernatural mystery that unfolds in a confined space, blending forensic procedural with ancient witchcraft themes and mounting dread.
Fact: The titular corpse was played by a real person who had to remain completely still for hours. The morgue set was built from scratch to allow for 360-degree shooting.
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A Dark Song (2016)
Description: An intense occult drama about ritual magic and personal transformation, featuring meticulous attention to real occult practices and psychological horror.
Fact: The director consulted with practicing occultists to ensure ritual accuracy. The lead actress performed many of her own physically demanding scenes.
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The Wailing (2016)
Description: A complex folk horror blending supernatural elements with police procedural, exploring themes of faith, cultural conflict, and ambiguous evil.
Fact: The film's exorcism scene was performed by a real shaman. Director Na Hong-jin spent three years researching Korean shamanism for authenticity.
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Hereditary (2018)
Description: A deeply unsettling horror film that explores themes of grief, family trauma, and inherited evil through slow-burning psychological terror and shocking imagery.
Fact: The miniature house sets were built to scale and took months to construct. The film's most shocking scene was shot in one take.
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The Wind (2018)
Description: A psychological period horror about isolation and paranoia on the American frontier, blending supernatural elements with mental breakdown themes.
Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to help the actors portray their characters' deteriorating mental states. Much of the dialogue was improvised.
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Midsommar (2019)
Description: Features a disturbing exploration of grief and relationships set against the backdrop of a pagan cult, with bright daylight horror and folkloric elements.
Fact: The maypole dance sequence was choreographed by professionals and performed by the actors themselves. All psychedelic effects were created practically without CGI.
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Relic (2020)
Description: A haunting exploration of dementia and family legacy through horror metaphors, featuring a decaying house that mirrors mental deterioration.
Fact: The director's first feature film was based on her own experiences with her grandmother's dementia. The house set was designed to subtly change throughout filming.
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