Something Wicked This Way Comes: 7 Forgotten Slow-Burn Horror Gems

You may be wondering what the definition of slow-burn storytelling is. In horror, slow-burn storytelling avoids jump scares and gore, opting for a gradual buildup of atmospheric tension. That tension builds to a climax, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease that lasts beyond the end credits.

Here are 7 slow-burn horror films you probably didn't know existed.

1. Hour Of The Wolf

Hailed as a brilliant piece of gothic cinema, The Hour Of The Wolf is a psychological horror film directed by Ingmar Bergman and released in 1968. The film explores an artist's disturbing descent into madness and is considered the director's most disturbing film.

Mixing surreal imagery and psychological turmoil, Bergman creates a haunting exploration of inner demons and the boundaries between reality and nightmare.

2. Vivarium

Lorcan Finnegan's horror film makes clever use of a simple structure that is reminiscent of classic Twilight Zone episodes. The story begins with a seemingly happy couple, Tom and Gemma, played by Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots. They meet a real estate agent who leads them to a neighborhood of identical houses, setting off an eerie journey.

3. A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is a notable horror film that has been making waves on the film festival circuit. Directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, the film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, telling the story of Arash, a solitary vampire.

The film delves into feminist themes and captivates with its haunting visuals, combining unsettling elements with moments of sweetness.

4. Green Room

Green Room follows the punk rock band Ain't Rights, who find themselves in a dire situation after witnessing a murder backstage at a gig. As they find themselves trapped and isolated, the tension escalates under the watchful eye of menacing bar owner Darcy Banker, portrayed by the iconic Patrick Stewart.

5. The House Of The Devil

Directed by Ti West and released in 2009, this movie stands as a prime example of the slow-burn genre, which gradually builds up an atmosphere of dread and suspense. Set in the 1980s, the story follows a college student who takes a seemingly innocent job as a babysitter, only to find herself trapped in a nightmarish situation. While standing on its merits, the movie skillfully pays homage to the horror of the 1970s and 80s.

6. The Lodge

This psychological horror explores the boundaries between reality and delusion, offering an unsettling exploration of the human psyche as a family's supposed Christmas getaway to a remote cabin turns into a terrifying tale.

Focusing on Grace, Richard, and his children from a previous marriage, the story unfolds with a sense of eerie unease, and Riley Keough's performance as Grace is an outstanding portrayal of life unraveling.

7. We Are What We Are

Directed by Jim Mickle, this film revolves around a family of cannibals ruled by religious extremism. The film effectively depicts the destructiveness of religious fundamentalism by tactfully criticizing this fanaticism, gradually building tension, and excelling in creating and maintaining a haunting atmosphere.