If you’re looking for obscure Irish folk horror the BFI are here to help.
Released in 1982, The Outcasts is a gritty tale of a woman’s struggles with accusations of witchcraft within a small rural community.
We follow Maura from the first seconds of the film, as she is taunted and bullied by the other kids, but are there accusations that she has abilities unfounded?
The Outcasts plays with this motif with ambiguity, and grounds everything in reality, to the point where you think this could actually happen, even today in isolated communities.
Directed by Robert Wynn-Simmons, the film also has plenty to say about the role of women and their treatment in oppressive male-dominated spaces. Here you are expected to grow up, have a baby and settle down, whether you like it or not.
The Outcasts carries a real atmosphere, which replaces any out-and-out horror, with the stunning, yet dreary locations playing a big part.
There is no coming to save Maura, so she may need to save herself.
Fans of British folk horror will definitely find something to like here, whereas some may find its too much of a slow burn for their liking.
This 2K-remastering also features a new audio commentary from Dr Diane A Rodgers, an archival short from Simmons plus an animated short an exclusive interview with the director and finally a look back through production photos from The Outcasts.
The Outcasts is available now on Blu-Ray from the BFI.
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