Franchises dominate the horror genre, but occasionally, there are smaller, critically acclaimed movies that go under the radar.
One of the most underrated of the last few years has to be Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse.
The 2019 horror from the director of The Witch was made on a budget of just $11m and took only $18.3 million at the box office, meaning barely anyone actually saw this masterpiece.
Produced by the quality-driven A24, Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson star as 19th century American lighthouse keepers.
When the weather maroons them beyond their month-long posting on a rock, the Old Seadog and his young apprentice soon start seeing Lovecraftian sea monsters as madness creeps into their isolation.
Somewhat reminiscent of The Shining, The Lighthouse is shot in black and white with a claustrophobically narrow, almost square, 1.19:1 aspect ratio from early cinema.
Filled with psychological thrills, this horror was showered with five-star reviews upon release and was nominated for Best Cinematography at both the Oscars and BAFTAs.
The Lighthouse is available to rent for £3.49 and to buy for £5.99 on Apple TV+.
