Night Tide
A young sailor falls in love with a mysterious woman performing as a mermaid on the local pier. As they become entwined, he comes to suspect the woman might be a real mermaid who lures men to a watery death during the full moon. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation in 2007.
Why it matters
A dreamlike dive into romantic noir that blends myth and melancholy with an eerie seaside atmosphere.
- Curtis Harrington’s delicate direction crafts a haunting mood that feels both intimate and otherworldly, a precursor to modern psychosexual horror.
- The film’s subtle horror unfolds through mood and suggestion, leaning on shadowy cinematography and evocative sound design rather than gore.
- Ideal for fans of Val Lewton’s atmospheric chill and lovers of myth-infused horror where folklore seeps into the everyday.
- A rare early ’60s indie gem preserved by the Academy Film Archive, showcasing a moody, poetic approach to horror that still feels fresh.
Director
Cast
Horror DNA
Gore
0
Slow Burn
83
Psychological
43
Supernatural
20
Creature
36
Disturbing
0
Fun Factor
17
Cerebral
71
Survival
17
