Mike Flanagan Recommends This Disturbing Horror Movie On Prime Video: “One of the most unsettling horror films I’ve ever seen”

Mike Flanagan
OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL, director Mike Flanagan, on set, 2016. ph: Justin M. Lubin/© Universal Pictures /Courtesy Everett Collection

Mike Flanagan is the gift that keeps on giving. His cinematic efforts have more than cemented his status as one of the most influential filmmakers of the 21st century. Some of that success can surely be attributed to his excellent taste in film. So, when he speaks, we listen. We have spotlighted multiple recommendations from the prolific creator here on Dread Central and now we are back with another suggestion.

Today’s recommendation comes from Flanagan’s stuck-at-home binge guide via Rotten Tomatoes. I’m talking about the overlooked indie picture, Possum.

The setup sees “a disgraced children’s puppeteer forced to confront his wicked stepfather and the secrets that have tortured his entire life. “

Flanagan spoke to the film’s collective merits, saying:

“Matthew Holness’ viciously bleak tone poem is one of the most unsettling horror films I’ve ever seen. The atmosphere of dread he creates is so thick it actually seeps into you as you view it, and you feel … well, you feel stained by the time you reach its conclusion. Featuring a tour-de-force performance by Sean Harris and some of the most nightmare-inducing imagery I’ve ever seen in an indie horror film — Holness is a force to be reckoned with.”

Flanagan isn’t the only champion of this indie feature. Possum is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a critical rating of 90%. With that said, critics do seem to be slightly more taken with the picture than the general public. The film’s user approval rating sits at just 56% on the aggregate review site. But don’t let that deter you from checking the flick out. It’s not entirely uncommon for moody, cerebral pictures to rank slightly lower with viewers than critics. And Possum certainly fits that bill.

In addition to Sean Harris, the film also stars Alun Armstrong, Andy Blithe, Ryan Enever, and Charlie Eales.

Stay tuned to the site for more recommendations from the masters as we learn them. And be sure to hit me up on Twitter, Threads, or Instagram if you’d like to chat more about Flanagan’s impressive oeuvre.

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