Netflix horror with unrecognisable Downton Abbey star fills fans with 'dread'

The Netflix original film Apostle has been stirring up the horror scene, leaving audiences sharply divided with its "bloody" sequences.

Released in 2018, Apostle is a gothic horror flick conceived by Gareth Evans, who not only penned the script but also took the helm as director and editor.

The Welsh director, widely recognised for his involvement in the more recent hit series Gangs of London, ventured into the early 20th century with a Welsh town setting for this eerie folk horror narrative.

One viewer expressed their thoughts on Rotten Tomatoes: "I'm generally not a fan of supernatural thrillers, but this is a story mostly of people behaving badly with just a little supernatural thrown in to make it a little more creepy. Not good for "sensitive" souls, as it comes with plenty of blood but not overdone, IMO. Well done cinematography."

In the film, we follow Thomas Richardson, portrayed by 'Downton Abbey' star Dan Stevens, as he embarks on a mission to a secluded Welsh island to save his sister Jennifer from a cult.

The group, led by Malcolm Howe, played by Michael Sheen, along with accomplices Frank and Quinn, are unaware of the lengths Thomas will go to for her liberation, reports the Mirror US.

The cult demands a ransom for Jennifer's release, oblivious to the determination of her brother. As Thomas delves deeper into the cult's murky history, he exposes the sordid secrets that sustain the community.

Another critique raves: "As a huge fan of quality horror films, Apostle stands out. A slow burn of anxiety and dread, it makes the most out of its settings and concepts. It could have seemed slow if not for the proper use of mystery.

"It doesn't shy away from gore, but the violence is by no means senseless here. Apostle is by no means perfect. However, it's among one of the all-time favorites of the genre."

Yet, as with any divisive genre, Apostle has its detractors. Some aficionados of horror dismissed the film as a "waste of time," while others branded it the "worst film they've seen."

A particularly underwhelmed viewer said: "Interesting concept and story. Started out strong with good acting. Then 45 minutes of total boredom and static.

"Watching wet paint dry would have been more interesting. Then it picked up the pace again but became muddled in a series of spasmodic, disjointed, and confused nonsense."

Despite mixed opinions, Apostle enjoys a robust 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and garnered considerable acclaim upon release.

The film also earned plaudits for its stellar cast performances, featuring Mark Jones of Star Wars fame, Paul Higgins, and the talented Lucy Boynton.

For those daring enough to experience the chills, Apostle is available for streaming on Netflix now.