15 Obscure Horror Films You Need To See
3. Onibaba
Based on a Japanese folklore tale, Onibaba continues to split critics and scholars: is it a period drama, or is it a horror? The fact it is included on this list tells you something.
Scary, haunting and beautifully shot by director Kaneto Shindo, the film sees two opportunists robbing and killing stray soldiers during the 14th century only to steal more than they bargained for when they come across a creepy mask. This is where Shindo's feature slices into gear, as the mask latches onto those that wear it and chaos ensues.
Despite being a darling in scholarly circles, but rarely reached for on a windy winter's night, the film didn't skate past everyone upon its 1964 release, with director William Friedkin paying homage to that iconic mask design during the famed nightmare sequence during his seminal scarefest, The Exorcist. High praise indeed
Don't let the vintage put you off, this feudal fable will cauterize your sense.