10 Horror Films Where Only One Person Dies
4. The Wicker Man (1973)
1971's The Wicker Man details a devout Christian policeman as he searches for a missing child in an island community inhabited by ritualistic Pagans.
The Wicker Man's iconic last image of star Edward Woodward burning inside the titular statue is so ingrained in horror cinema today that many often forget it's a spoiler. In a shocking twist, The Wicker Man reveals Woodward's Sgt. Howie has been the target for sacrifice all along, with the child he feared dead being a rouse to get him on the island.
However, The Wicker Man has a lot more going on than one legendary death scene. Although not popular upon release, the film has since been re-appreciated for having bold central issues like religious beliefs, morality and sexual promiscuity.
The picture also wonderfully captures a very unique and bizarre atmosphere as Howie struggles to comprehend the islanders and their way of life. Looming camera angles, awkward silence and a lack of music beautifully display his discomfort as an outsider.
Of course we cannot forget a wonderfully imposing and powerful performance from Sir Christopher Lee who adds an undeniable class to material that could have been seen as exploitative or tasteless in other hands. The Wicker Man was somewhat ahead of its time and handles tricky subjects with class and ease.