William McGregor’s Gwen is a visual triumph. A bleak, atmospheric, and beautifully acted period drama that skirts the edges of folk-horror in North Wales.

The Swarm is a slow-burn French drama that skirts the edges of body horror. A unique premise about locust farming that struggles with pacing and plot holes.

Matthew Butler-Hart’s The Isle is a visual treat that sinks under the weight of terrible acting and a turgid script. A period mystery that fails as a horror movie.

Natalie Erika James’ Relic is a masterclass in atmosphere but a questionable horror film. A slow-burn drama that uses a haunted house as a metaphor for dementia.

Don’t go into Saint Maud expecting a traditional horror movie. This is something else entirely: a sad, harrowing, and utterly compelling psychological study of a young nurse’s descent into madness. A stunning directorial debut that’s more interested in disturbing you than scaring you. Click to read our full, spoiler-free thoughts.

Matt Palmer’s Calibre is a visceral, high-tension masterpiece. A harrowing British thriller that explores the devastating consequences of a single, tragic mistake.

Jeremiah Kipp’s Slapface is a muddled and poorly paced creature feature. A “monster in the woods” tale that struggles to balance its horror with hamfisted metaphors.