Quick Info
Apostle is a moody, slow-burn folk horror film set in 1905, following a drifter (Dan Stevens) who infiltrates a remote, mysterious cult on an isolated island to rescue his sister. It leans heavily into creepy atmosphere and a sense of dread, slowly unraveling its mysteries in a way that reminded me of The Wicker Man, but grimier and more visceral. The period setting is immersive—think muddy boots, tumbledown cottages, and candles flickering against the darkness.
What really stands out here is how the horror gradually seeps in, rooted both in the fanaticism of the cult and actual supernatural forces at work. The movie isn’t frantic with jump scares; instead, it ratchets up tension with unsettling rituals and ominous village politics. Dan Stevens carries the film with haunted eyes and a quietly desperate energy, while Michael Sheen, as the cult leader, is sincerely captivating—his charisma masks something deeply rotten.
Visually, Apostle is gorgeous in a bleak way. The cinematography makes great use of the fog, rough landscapes, and claustrophobic interiors, really selling you on the idea that this island is cut off from everything sane and safe. The gore, when it comes, is unflinching and stomach-turning—definitely not for the squeamish. There are some beautifully shot sequences that feel painterly, right before plunging you into genuine horror.
If there’s a drawback, it’s that the film lags a bit in the middle. The measured pace may turn off viewers looking for relentless scares or quick plotting. At over two hours, it’s a tad long for what’s essentially a contained cult horror story, and sometimes the storytelling teeters close to indulgence. But if you stick with it, the payoff is both weird and memorable.
You would enjoy this if you appreciate horror that’s patient, atmospheric, and laced with historical oddness, or if you’ve got a penchant for cult stories with a supernatural bite. It’s not your typical popcorn slasher, but if you want something eerie and thoughtfully put together, Apostle is worth the watch.
