The Cursed

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 18, 2022

Genre
Horror, Mystery

Cast & Crew

• Boyd Holbrook as John McBride
• Kelly Reilly as Isabelle Laurent
• Alistair Petrie as Seamus Laurent
• Roxane Duran as Anais
• Nigel Betts as Alfred Moliere

Director
Sean Ellis

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Anthropoid (2016)
• The Broken (2008)

Producer
Sean Ellis

Writer
Sean Ellis

Budget
$8 million

Production Company
LD Entertainment

Running Time
113 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence
• Disturbing imagery
• Intense horror scenes

Movie Story
“The Cursed” is a dark, atmospheric horror film set in rural 19th century France. The story revolves around a small village plagued by a mysterious curse that unleashes a wave of terror upon its inhabitants. The film begins with the ruthless landowner Seamus Laurent (Alistair Petrie) who, along with the other villagers, brutally slaughters a Romani clan that lays claim to the land. In their dying moments, the Romani curse the village, setting the stage for the horrors to come.

Shortly after the massacre, the villagers begin to experience nightmarish visions and unexplained phenomena. A series of grisly murders occur, and strange, twisted silver teeth are discovered buried in the ground, believed to be linked to the curse. As the terror escalates, the villagers are haunted by a shapeshifting creature that preys on their fears and drives them to madness.

Desperate to find a solution, the Laurents call upon John McBride (Boyd Holbrook), a pathologist with experience in the supernatural. McBride, who is also haunted by his own tragic past, begins to unravel the mystery of the curse, uncovering secrets that connect the villagers’ present-day horrors with ancient pagan rituals. As he delves deeper into the investigation, McBride realizes that the curse is not just a supernatural threat but a manifestation of the villagers’ own guilt and cruelty.

The film builds towards a chilling climax as McBride and the remaining villagers face off against the creature, culminating in a desperate fight for survival. “The Cursed” is a slow-burn horror that combines gothic elements with folk horror, creating a tense, eerie atmosphere that lingers long after the film ends.

Special Effects
The special effects in “The Cursed” are both practical and chillingly effective, particularly in the portrayal of the creature at the heart of the film’s horror. The design of the beast is grotesque and nightmarish, with a physicality that makes it all the more terrifying. The film also uses practical effects to depict the curse’s impact on the villagers, from horrific transformations to brutal violence. The muted color palette and moody cinematography add to the film’s oppressive atmosphere, enhancing the overall sense of dread.

Box Office Performance
“The Cursed” had a modest box office performance, grossing approximately $4.6 million worldwide. While it didn’t break records, the film garnered a following among horror enthusiasts for its unique take on the werewolf mythos and its atmospheric storytelling.

Filming Locations

• Charente, France

Notable Quotes

• “This land belongs to the dead now.”
• “You think you’re safe from what you’ve done, but no one escapes their sins.”

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Sean Ellis aimed to create a horror film that harkens back to classic gothic horror while introducing new elements inspired by folk tales and historical events. The film’s setting in 19th century France and its use of practical effects were key to achieving the dark, foreboding atmosphere. Ellis also served as the film’s cinematographer, carefully crafting each shot to enhance the sense of isolation and terror that pervades the story.

Awards

• Nominated for British Independent Film Awards: Best Cinematography

Final Verdict
“The Cursed” is a haunting and visually arresting horror film that offers a fresh spin on the werewolf genre. Its slow-building tension, coupled with its strong performances and chilling atmosphere, make it a standout in the genre. Though it may not appeal to fans of fast-paced horror, those who appreciate gothic horror and folklore will find much to admire in this film.

IMDb Rating
6.2/10