A Unique Entry in the Horror Genre
Horror movies often explore the bizarre, the strange, and the uncanny. From creepy killers to ghastly ghosts and monstrous creatures, the genre is filled with elements that challenge the imagination. However, some films manage to stand out by being so unusual that even seasoned horror fans are taken aback.
One such film currently making waves on streaming platforms is Unwelcome. It has climbed the ranks and is now sitting at number four on the Netflix top ten list. Directed by Jon Wright and featuring a stellar cast including Hannah John-Kamen, Douglas Booth, and Colm Meaney, the film follows a young couple who move from London to the Irish countryside after a tragic event.
Upon their arrival, they quickly discover that the locals are not as welcoming as they had hoped. They learn that every night, an offering must be left in the back garden for the Red Caps, mysterious beings that reside in the forest. If the offerings are neglected, trouble is sure to follow.
The couple soon forgets this rule, leading to consequences that are both unsettling and unpredictable. While some critics were not overly impressed with Unwelcome, it still holds a respectable 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it has its fair share of supporters.
Ellen E Jones from The Guardian described the film as “Straw Dogs meets Fraggle Rock,” calling it an “enjoyably unpretentious Irish-ish folk horror.” Meanwhile, John Nugent of Empire magazine praised the use of practical effects, stating, “In the CGI era, practical effects are fast becoming a lost cinematic art. On that basis alone, then, we should be grateful for Unwelcome.”
Fans of the film also shared their thoughts online. IMDb user Speepin_Dragon called it “bizarrely watchable,” while others found the blend of horror and comedy intriguing. One viewer noted, “It’s a really bizarre mix of horror and comedy, it really is just plain bizarre, overall it’s more good than bad. At times it’s pretty messed up, and that opening sequence is really quite horrible.”
Another fan added, “The goblins look absolutely amazing, and are probably the film’s strongest element. Don’t expect any bad CGI or cheap-looking costumes; those guys look pretty cool.” Some viewers were surprised by how the film evolved, with one commenting, “It’s not the straightforward horror I thought it was going to be or the one it started off as. Maybe a lot of other people took issue with that. It quickly becomes a beautiful-looking but slightly creepy fairy tale, before becoming a silly, violent black comedy in the end. I loved it all.”
The Weirdest Movie Monsters
To celebrate the success of Unwelcome, our Deputy Editor Tom Percival has highlighted some of the weirdest movie monsters of all time:
The Red Caps: These creatures are truly odd. They are horrifying yet somehow endearing, and they can be described as Baby Yoda if he were designed by your edgiest friend.
The Blob: This slime monster is already weird just by being a blob. It dissolves people alive and is smarter than it appears.
The Thing: From the classic film The Thing, this creature is known for its ability to take on the form of other animals and even humans. It becomes a bizarre dog-human-crab hybrid later in the film.
Final Thoughts
Unwelcome is available to stream now on Netflix. Whether you’re a fan of horror or simply looking for something different, this film offers a unique experience that blends elements of folklore, comedy, and suspense. Its unconventional approach and practical effects make it a standout in the genre.
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