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"The Curse" is a haunting and atmospheric horror film that immerses viewers in a remote, 19th-century French village plagued by a mysterious curse. Director Sean Ellis masterfully creates a sense of unease and dread through the film's stunning visuals and eerie sound design, which are further amplified by an evocative score. The slow-burn storytelling effectively builds tension and intrigue, as we witness the escalating horrors that befall the village and its inhabitants.

The cast delivers strong performances, with the standout being Catherine Walker as the determined and resourceful mother who uncovers the dark secrets of the curse. The film also touches on themes of faith, superstition, and the dangers of unchecked power, adding depth to the otherwise familiar horror genre.

While "The Curse" may not be for everyone, it's a well-crafted and chilling addition to the horror canon that deserves recognition for its technical prowess and thoughtful storytelling.

The Feast, directed by Lee Haven Jones, is a visually stunning and disturbing horror film that explores themes of class, tradition, and family. Set in a remote Welsh countryside, the film centers around a wealthy family who hosts an extravagant dinner party to celebrate the completion of their new mansion.

The film's cinematography and production design are breathtaking, with the stark beauty of the Welsh landscape providing a stunning backdrop to the opulent and surreal feast. The film's use of color, lighting, and sound also effectively create an ominous and unsettling atmosphere.

The performances of the film's cast are also impressive, with Nia Roberts delivering a particularly strong and nuanced performance as the family's matriarch. The film's script also offers thought-provoking commentary on the pitfalls of wealth and privilege, as well as the dangers of clinging to outdated traditions.

However, the film's pacing is a bit slow, with the first act feeling somewhat meandering and unfocused. Additionally, the film's final act feels rushed and underdeveloped, leaving some questions unanswered and feeling somewhat unsatisfying.

Knocking, directed by Frida Kempff, is a slow-burning psychological thriller that is equal parts haunting and frustrating. The film follows a woman named Molly who is released from a psychiatric hospital and moves into a new apartment, only to be tormented by a persistent knocking sound that nobody else seems to hear.

The film's cinematography and sound design are excellent, with Kempff using close-ups and atmospheric soundscapes to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The film's lead actress, Cecilia Milocco, also delivers a strong performance, conveying both the vulnerability and the resilience of her character.

However, the film's pacing is a major issue, with the slow-burn approach feeling unnecessarily stretched out and repetitive at times. The film also struggles to balance its psychological and supernatural elements, with the latter feeling tacked on and underdeveloped.

The film's themes of trauma and gaslighting are timely and relevant, but the film's execution falls short of fully exploring them in a meaningful way. The film's ending, while intriguing, is also frustratingly vague and leaves too many unanswered questions.