Grieving couple confronts ancient menace in Yorkshire

In the 1970s, a couple, Juliette and Richard, return to Richard's family home in Yorkshire following a personal tragedy. This loss leaves them emotionally vulnerable, making them susceptible to an ancient evil that is said to inhabit the land. The film, adapted from Andrew Michael Hurley's novel by Daniel Kokotajlo, explores themes of grief and darkness, drawing parallels with other horror films that utilize bereavement as a central theme. The narrative unfolds in a brooding atmosphere, characterized by the oppressive environment of the couple's farmhouse, which is filled with haunted-looking wallpaper. The film delves into arcane rituals and pagan mythology, suggesting that there are deeper, darker forces at play beneath the surface of everyday life. The setting in Yorkshire adds to the film's eerie ambiance, enhancing the sense of isolation and dread. While the film is noted for its slow-burning folk-horror elements, it has been critiqued for its lack of effective scares. The special effects, while described as pleasingly icky, contribute to the overall sense of unease rather than delivering traditional horror moments. This approach marks a departure for Kokotajlo, who previously focused on themes of faith crises in his debut film. Ultimately, the film serves as a meditation on how grief can open the door to darker forces, intertwining personal loss with the haunting presence of ancient evils that linger in the landscape. The couple's journey becomes a confrontation with both their emotional turmoil and the supernatural threats that arise from their vulnerability.