Cliff Notes – ‘Masterpiece’ psychological horror movie now streaming on Channel 4

Critical Acclaim: “Saint Maud” has received high praise, boasting a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 83 on Metacritic, highlighting its gripping narrative and performances.
Unique Horror Approach: Unlike traditional horror films, it focuses on psychological tension and character-driven narratives, drawing comparisons to films like “Midsommar” and “Hereditary.”
Mixed Audience Reception: While many viewers laud its thematic depth and cinematography, some critics express disappointment with the film’s pacing and ambiguous ending, indicating a divide in audience expectations.

‘Masterpiece’ psychological horror movie now streaming on Channel 4

Pray for your soul… (Pictures: Angus Young)

Have you been praying for the perfect scary movie as we build up to the spookiest time of the year?

Well, someone must have been because Channel 4 has just dropped one of the best horror movies ever made on their streaming service.

So what’s the film? Well, it’s none other than the modern masterpiece St Maud.

Directed by Rose Glass in her feature directorial debut, this terrifying tale follows the devoted Christian and nurse Maud (Morfydd Clark).

When Maud is assigned to care for the hedonistic atheist Amanda, who’s dying of terminal cancer, however, she becomes obsessed with saving her patient’s soul.

As her obsession turns to torment, Maud’s quest to help Amanda takes a dark and sinister turn.

Maud will save you… from boredom (Picture: AP)

Beloved by critics, the film boasts an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 83 on Metacritic.

Alison Wilmore wrote in her review for Vulture that ‘what makes Saint Maud so nail-bitingly tense is that it’s impossible to guess the form in which inevitable disaster will come.’

James Croot of The Post NY, meanwhile, wrote that it’s ‘downright nightmare-inducing’.

Critics aren’t the only ones who enjoyed the film. On Google, plenty of horror hounds have written how much they adore this movie.

‘Easily the best debut film I’ve ever seen,’ wrote AT in their 5-star review. ‘A simple but powerful story with immense thematic and symbolic richness, put to film with beautiful, intelligent cinematography, brilliant music and sound design, and one of the best film performances in recent memory by Morfydd Clark. ‘

It’s a miracle! (Pictures: AP)

‘Saint Maud is another masterpiece, which, like Midsommar or Hereditary, doesn’t necessarily scare you with paranormal events but rather features one or more characters that possess an unnerving aura and focuses on that,’ added Ian Schroeder.

Andrew Armitage loved it as well, although he had a warning, writing: ‘It’s certainly a very good film, although anyone seeking classic horror might not find what they were expecting.’

Indeed, the ending does seem to be a sticking point for some people.

She’s the patience of a saint (Pictures: AP)

‘Save yourself some time, avoid’, said Daniel Curtis in their 1-star review. ‘We were waiting for this movie to get better, and it just doesn’t. There’s nothing horror about it.

‘There’s no explanation to what’s going on. A back story is mentioned but never explained properly and the ending is as if the writers didn’t have a clue.’

‘It was rubbish,’ agreed Jacqueline Davey. It was more laughable than a horror. The ending was well, I was lost for words. I don’t recommend it at all’.