Horror Films That Explore Despair

Description: A woman living in a dark, old house with her photosensitive children begins to suspect the house is haunted, leading to a chilling revelation of despair and loss.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, with the house itself becoming a character in the story. It was nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language.

Description: Based on a true story, this film delves into the legal and spiritual battle over the exorcism of a young woman, highlighting the despair of her family and the priest involved.

Fact: The film was inspired by the case of Anneliese Michel, whose exorcism and subsequent death led to a legal trial. The movie uses a mix of courtroom drama and horror.

Description: This film captures the essence of despair as a group of women become trapped in a cave system, facing both physical and psychological horrors. Their descent into madness and desperation is palpable.

Fact: The cave scenes were shot in real caves, adding to the claustrophobic atmosphere. There are two different endings, one for the UK and another for the US.

Description: A group of people trapped in a supermarket must deal with both monstrous creatures outside and the breakdown of human morality inside, leading to a sense of utter despair.

Fact: The film's ending differs significantly from Stephen King's novella, which King himself praised. The creatures were created using a mix of practical effects and CGI.

Description: This film explores the psychological horror of grief and motherhood, with the titular monster representing the protagonist's inner turmoil and despair.

Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its intense themes. The director, Jennifer Kent, was inspired by her own experiences with grief.

Description: A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, where the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense, leading to a crescendo of paranoia and despair.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence to capture the natural progression of tension. It was well-received at the SXSW Film Festival.

Description: A father-son team of coroners uncover horrifying secrets during the autopsy of an unidentified woman, leading to a night of terror and despair.

Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding authenticity to the setting. The director, André Øvredal, is known for his work in horror.

Description: Set in the 1630s, this film follows a family's descent into paranoia and despair after being banished from their Puritan community, leading to encounters with supernatural forces.

Fact: The film uses authentic language of the period, making it challenging for some actors. The goat, Black Phillip, became an internet meme.

Description: A woman returns to her childhood home, now an orphanage, to adopt a child, only to face the ghosts of her past and the despair of losing her own son.

Fact: The film was Spain's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. It was produced by Guillermo del Toro.

Description: A post-apocalyptic tale where a father and son journey through a desolate world, facing starvation, cannibals, and the loss of hope. The film's bleak setting and the characters' struggle against despair make it a poignant entry.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen lost weight for the role to portray the physical toll on his character. The film was shot in various locations to capture the desolate landscape.