Demigod Demigod (2021)

Miles Doleac's Demigod (2021) stands as a notable entry in the contemporary folk horror renaissance, eschewing cheap jump scares for a pervasive sense of dread. The film masterfully crafts its unsettling atmosphere through atmospheric cinematography, utilizing the desolate, ancient woods as a character itself, steeped in pagan mythology. Rachel Nichols delivers a compelling performance, portraying a nuanced blend of vulnerability and fierce resilience as she confronts an ancestral curse and primal forces.

Doleac, wearing multiple hats as director and actor, imbues the narrative with a deeply personal vision of rural isolation and ancient evils. The film explores themes of inherited trauma, the haunting echoes of the past, and the terrifying power of belief systems rooted in forgotten lore. Demigod carves its niche by not relying on shock value, but rather on a slow-burn psychological tension that connects viewers to timeless tales of humanity's insignificance against primeval powers. It’s a compelling watch for enthusiasts of supernatural thrillers and culturally rich independent horror.