10 Excellent Slow-Burn Horror Films That Will Instill a Sense of Dread

      Casey Chong presents ten slow-burn horror films that will evoke feelings of dread…

      One fascinating aspect of the horror genre is its wide range of elements, from body horror and found footage to dark fantasy, slasher films, and the supernatural. Among these, slow-burn horror is a subgenre that emphasizes the careful development of characters and situations before gradually leading to a thrilling climax. This type of horror typically creates a pervasive sense of dread through music, sound design, imagery, and directorial style. While some viewers may not appreciate this storytelling technique, those who enjoy slow-burn horror can find a curated list of the ten best films worth viewing here…

      The Shining (1980)

      “Here’s Johnny!” Jack Nicholson's iconic line is one of the most memorable moments in the realm of slow-burn horror cinema. Before Nicholson’s Jack Torrance spirals into madness, Stanley Kubrick's expert direction in The Shining unfolds at a measured pace from the start. It depicts a writer, who is also a recovering alcoholic, attempting to finish his story while serving as the caretaker of the remote Overlook Hotel with his family (Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd). Kubrick cleverly employs isolation to highlight Jack Torrance's mental decline, paired with the strange, supernatural events occurring in the hotel before he completely unravels. The film captivates with striking visuals (such as the iconic Steadicam shot of Danny riding his tricycle before encountering two identical twins, and the torrents of blood flowing from the elevator) and an ever-present sense of dread that builds towards a chaotic climax.

      Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

      While Mia Farrow's notable pixie haircut styled by Vidal Sassoon might be a highlight, there is so much more to Roman Polanski's 1968 slow-burn horror masterpiece. It serves as a prime example of how a film can utilize provocative themes — in this instance, religious allegory and satanic rituals — to create a deliberately slow and mesmerizing effect. Polanski takes his time to unfold the story of the titular character (Farrow, delivering one of her career's finest performances) and how her pregnancy leads to an ongoing sense of fear and anxiety. His unhurried pace cultivates a growing atmosphere of unease, which becomes increasingly sinister as the film progresses. By the time the chilling conclusion arrives, Rosemary’s Baby cements its status as one of the most influential slow-burn horror films ever created.

      The Witch (2015)

      In Robert Eggers’ assured directorial debut, The Witch, a sense of malevolence permeates the isolated forest of 17th-century New England. Eggers employs a slow-burn method that reflects his skill as a filmmaker, effectively using the confined setting, sound design, and the power of suggestion. He posits that crafting an ominous mood can be more terrifying than typical jump scares, gore, or violence. This film also placed then-unknown Anya Taylor-Joy on the map as a promising young talent for a new generation.

      Hereditary (2018)

      Hereditary marks Ari Aster’s debut as a director, demonstrating his ability to create a deliberately paced, elevated horror film with masterful use of camera positioning and a captivating visual style from the outset. Although Aster explores familiar themes of grief and familial dysfunction, the tension-building is a prime example of how a slow-burn horror should unfold. Something is amiss in the seemingly cursed family led by Annie (Toni Collette, delivering one of her most intense performances), particularly with her emotionally distant daughter, Charlie (Milly Shapiro), who often displays strange behavior. Aster effectively shocks viewers at one juncture of the film, enhancing the tension with unsettling visuals, chilling sound design, and Colin Stetson’s powerful score.

      Midsommar (2019)

      Following Hereditary, Ari Aster's second film, Midsommar, sees him effortlessly transition into the folk-horror genre. He nods to The Wicker Man, the classic 1973 feature, as the narrative follows a group of young friends (including performances by Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor) attending a festival in a remote Swedish village. Aster continues to apply his slow-burn technique to captivating effect, filling the film with evocative images and a unique visual style. Although the movie runs longer than his debut, its length is justified by Aster's exceptional direction, skillfully building to a striking payoff filled with eerie and graphic moments. If you can, seek out the 171-minute director’s cut, which adds approximately 25 minutes of extra footage.

      Don’t Look Now (1973)

      Nicholas Roeg's contemplative exploration of grief affecting a couple, played by Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie following the tragic loss of their young daughter (Sharon Williams), is a quintessential slow-burn film. Roeg delves deeply into the psychological