10 Hidden Gem Indie Horror Movies You MUST Watch

Co-directed by the writers behind Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Messiah of Evil centres around a woman called Arletty who is looking for her missing father. On her journey, she's lead to a town populated by an undead cult who are prepping for the return of their malevolent master.

Messiah of Evil's premise and style is similar to The Wicker Man, since it feels like it was tailored to unnerve viewers rather than outright scare them. There are also traces of HP Lovecraft, since the film utilises grotesque visuals, slow-burn tension, and a constant sense of dread.

Warped cinematography and otherworldly imagery are regularly used to ramp up the fear factor, so it feels like Arletty is caught in an endless nightmare. The distressing music and sound design further elevate the experience, underscoring the feeling that something unspeakably evil is coming.

Messiah of Evil also embraces visual storytelling, conveying the characters' feelings perfectly without relying on long-winded dialogue.

Despite being over 50 years old, Messiah of Evil has yet to garner a cult-following, which is a shame for such a creative and cliche-free flick.