Succubus (2024) is a chilling psychological horror film that merges the age-old legend of the succubus with the eerie detachment of modern digital life. It follows Chris, a new father drowning in exhaustion, emotional turmoil, and a crumbling marriage. In his search for comfort and escape, he stumbles upon a dating app called StarCrossed, only to find himself ensnared in a terrifying web spun by a mysterious woman named Adra—who turns out to be something far more dangerous than she appears.

Video: Succubus – Trailer

A Digital Descent Into Darkness

Chris, desperate for connection amid the pressures of parenthood and emotional isolation, signs up for StarCrossed. The app promises romance but delivers something far more sinister. His match, Adra, is captivating and otherworldly. She embodies beauty and mystery, yet her presence grows increasingly disturbing. As Chris becomes more consumed by his encounters with Adra, his sense of reality begins to crumble.

This isn’t just a modern romance gone wrong—it’s a descent into a nightmare fueled by an ancient evil. Adra is not human. She is a succubus, a mythological creature that feeds on the desires and weaknesses of men, using charm and deception to destroy them from within.

Standout Performances and Character Depth

Brendan Bradley’s performance as Chris is the emotional anchor of the film. He brings quiet desperation to the role, portraying a man at the edge of psychological collapse with authenticity and restraint. Rachel Cook stuns as Adra, blending seductive grace with an unsettling sense of danger. Her ability to shift between warmth and cold menace keeps viewers constantly on edge.

Adding gravitas to the cast is Ron Perlman, who plays Dr. Orion Zephyr—a reclusive scientist and theorist who serves as the voice of reason and a subtle warning about the consequences of digital dependency.

Visually Claustrophobic and Intellectually Rich

The film’s visual storytelling sets it apart. Much of Succubus unfolds through screens—laptops, smartphones, video chats, and even baby monitors—creating a voyeuristic, claustrophobic tone. This screen-based approach makes the horror feel uncomfortably close and disturbingly real, drawing attention to how deeply we rely on—and are watched by—technology.

Muted tones, dim lighting, and tight camera angles give the film a suffocating atmosphere, perfectly complementing the growing sense of dread as Chris loses control of his world.

Terrifying Practical Effects and Haunting Sound

Where Succubus really delivers on traditional horror is in its practical effects. The climax reveals Adra’s true demonic form, combining elegance and grotesque horror through intricate makeup and creature design. These effects feel tangible and grounded, making the final sequences all the more disturbing.

The soundtrack, composed by Andrew Brick Johnson, uses hypnotic synths and deep basslines to mirror Chris’s psychological spiral. The sound design is as much a part of the storytelling as the visuals—subtle yet deeply unsettling.

Video: They Accidentally Summoned A Succubus That Used Their Fantasy Against Them

Exploring Deep Themes Beneath the Scares

While Succubus is undeniably a horror film, its real power lies in its exploration of human emotion and vulnerability. It tackles issues such as:

• Temptation and Isolation: Adra symbolizes the temptations we face in moments of loneliness, especially in the digital age where intimacy and illusion are often intertwined.
• Masculinity and Fragility: Chris’s emotional unraveling reflects the often-unspoken struggles of men under pressure to remain stoic, even as their lives fall apart.
• Digital Deception: The film critiques how easily reality can be manipulated through screens, where what we see isn’t always what’s real.
• Myth in a Modern World: The succubus, though ancient in origin, serves as a metaphor for the dangers of unchecked desire and technological detachment.

Final Thoughts: A Quiet Horror That Lingers

Succubus doesn’t rely on jump scares or gore. Instead, it builds a slow, unsettling tension that creeps into the viewer’s psyche. Some may find its pace a bit too measured, and the reliance on digital storytelling may not appeal to every horror fan. However, for those who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven horror with a psychological edge, Succubus is a standout.

Bradley’s emotional performance, Cook’s mesmerizing menace, and the film’s eerie score and practical effects make it an experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. The film asks hard questions about connection, loneliness, and how much of ourselves we give to technology in the search for something real.

Who Should Watch Succubus (2024)?

If you’re a fan of slow-burn horror with strong psychological elements, Succubus will likely draw you in. It’s ideal for viewers intrigued by supernatural legends reimagined through a contemporary lens. Anyone who has ever felt lost in the digital world or questioned the authenticity of online connections will find something relatable—and disturbing—here.

Verdict: A Smart, Creepy, Modern Myth

Succubus (2024) is more than just a horror film—it’s a chilling commentary on the seductive dangers of technology, loneliness, and emotional vulnerability. It’s not for everyone, but for those who appreciate horror that digs beneath the surface, it’s an experience worth watching.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars – for originality, atmosphere, and its unsettling blend of the mythic and the modern.