Frightmare
In 1957, Dorothy and Edmund Yates were committed to an institution for the criminally insane, she for acts of murder and cannibalism and he for covering up her crimes. Fifteen years later, they are pronounced fit for society and released. However, in Dorothy's case the doctors may have jumped the gun a bit. Edmund and eldest daughter, Jackie, try to discover just how far Mother's bloodlust has taken her. Meanwhile, youngest daughter Debbie begins to explore the crazy roots of her family tree as fully as possible.
Why it matters
A grimy slice of 1970s British folk horror that delves into family secrets and the lingering stain of madness.
- Pete Walker’s direction leans into grim atmosphere and unsettling domestic decay, capturing a uniquely British brand of horror unease.
- Sheila Keith delivers a chilling performance as Dorothy, embodying a mother whose bloodlust refuses to die quietly.
- Practical gore effects serve the story’s raw, grotesque tone without tipping into exploitation for its own sake.
- Ideal for fans of regional horror and slow-burning psychological dread rather than jump-scare thrills or polished scares.
Director
Cast
Horror DNA
Gore
71
Slow Burn
50
Psychological
86
Supernatural
0
Creature
0
Disturbing
100
Fun Factor
50
Cerebral
28
Survival
83
Slasher
