Five years ago, this horror movie flopped at the box office. It didn't deserve it at all

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of most cinemas, forcing film studios to reinvent their release strategies. This crisis caused many movies to be released directly on VOD platforms, sold to streaming services, or postponed indefinitely. In this context, The Empty Man, a supernatural horror film directed by David Prior, was released without promotional support in the fall of 2020, becoming the last distribution handled by 20th Century Fox. An empty box office Despite initial expectations, the film received mediocre reviews and […]

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of most cinemas, forcing film studios to reinvent their release strategies. This crisis caused many films to be released directly on VOD platforms, sold to streaming services, or postponed indefinitely. In this context, The Empty Man, a supernatural horror film directed by David Prior, was released without promotional support in the fall of 2020, becoming the last distribution handled by 20th Century Fox.

An Empty Box Office

Despite initial expectations, the film received mediocre reviews and failed at the box office. The lack of promotion left the impression that Disney had abandoned the project, a result of poor test screenings. Nevertheless, The Empty Man surprises the viewer with its unsettling narrative, which explores generational evil and addresses dark themes in a surreal, commercially unviable format, which has been attracting the attention of a cult audience since its release.

The movie begins with one of the most terrifying scenes in years, where a group of hikers is attacked by an evil spirit in Bhutan. This initial brutality transforms into a more introspective story led by a former detective, James Lasombra, whose quest uncovers a series of ritualistic murders. As the plot progresses, the narrative becomes a labyrinth of tragedies, disillusionments, and cults, creating an atmosphere of intrigue that may be disconcerting for those seeking a typical horror film.

Despite its box office failure, The Empty Man has begun to cement its place as a cult work, resonating deeply with analytical film lovers who appreciate its unique narrative approach and unsettling themes. While it may never achieve conventional success status, its disturbing vision and exploration of sinister forces continue to capture the attention of curious audiences.