10 Intense Horror Movies That Dared You To Sit Through Them

Lucky McKee's The Woman kicks off with an outwardly respected lawyer, Chris, hunting in the woods when he stumbles upon a violent and dishevelled woman. After deeming her a savage, Chris imprisons her in his cellar, with a twisted intent to turn her into his version of a civilised woman. Though the woman is clearly dangerous, it's unmistakable who the real monster is.

What makes The Woman stand out is how efficiently it plays with stereotypes and expectations. Because of the woman's primitive and uncultured nature, the audience is initially on edge every time she appears onscreen. But as Chris' dark nature is gradually exposed, viewers see him as a far greater threat.

Although the film has an ample amount of bloodshed, it's the emotional violence Chris displays towards his family that proves most unnerving. Chris' behaviour becomes more disturbing when it's evident he's not only mistreating his loved ones, but infecting them with his toxicity, urging them to embrace their animalistic desires to sociopathic levels.

Even though the titular character is frightening, Chris is one of the most disturbing characters in horror in years.