The Cursed (2021), originally titled Eight for Silver, is a gothic horror film written and directed by Sean Ellis. Set in 19th-century France, the film weaves a chilling tale of curses, greed, and supernatural terror, blending folklore with brutal, atmospheric horror.
The story begins when a wealthy land baron, Seamus Laurent (Alistair Petrie), ruthlessly evicts and massacres a Roma clan to secure his claim to a piece of land. Before their deaths, the clan places a deadly curse on the region, manifesting as a series of horrifying events and a sinister creature that haunts the village.
Boyd Holbrook stars as John McBride, a pathologist who arrives in the village to investigate mysterious occurrences, including savage attacks and unexplainable deaths. As he uncovers the truth, McBride must confront his own dark past while seeking to end the curse that threatens to destroy the villagers.
The film is notable for its haunting atmosphere, rich period setting, and inventive take on werewolf mythology. Its use of practical effects and minimal CGI lends a visceral realism to the horror, complemented by Sean Ellisโs evocative cinematography, which captures the bleak beauty of the rural French countryside.
The Cursed offers a slow-burn narrative filled with tension, moral complexity, and gruesome imagery, delivering a fresh perspective on classic horror tropes. It explores themes of guilt, colonialism, and the consequences of unchecked greed, creating a story that is both deeply unsettling and thought-provoking.