Succubus (2024), directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna, brings a chilling and provocative spin on the classic horror trope of the succubus by blending modern technology with ancient mythology. At the core of the film is the unraveling life of Chris, a young father struggling with the collapse of his marriage and emotional insecurities. What starts as a lonely man’s venture into a dating app quickly spirals into a harrowing psychological thriller that explores seduction, manipulation, and horrific consequences.
Plot Summary: A Descent into Madness
The story follows Chris (Brendan Bradley), a husband and father on the edge of a breakdown. With his marriage on the rocks and his wife away at a bachelorette party, Chris is left alone to care for their child. His best friend Eddie (Derek Smith), an overly brash character, convinces him to sign up for a dating app called StarCrossed as a distraction. Reluctantly, Chris agrees and soon finds himself swiping through profiles.
He eventually matches with Adra (Rachel Cook), a mysterious and seductive woman whose allure quickly ensnares him. Adra tells Chris she is being held captive and needs his help. Blinded by her beauty and seemingly desperate situation, Chris becomes entangled in a deadly web of deceit. As their virtual relationship deepens, Adra’s sinister nature slowly reveals itself, pushing Chris into a downward spiral of terror and regret.
Character Analysis: The Haunting Archetypes
- Chris: Played by Brendan Bradley, Chris represents the everyman—emotionally drained, insecure, and seeking solace in the wrong places. His vulnerability is exploited by Adra, and his descent into madness feels eerily plausible as the film progresses. Bradley’s portrayal effectively conveys a man who is both victim and participant in his own undoing.
- Adra: Rachel Cook plays Adra, a modern succubus, with both sensual allure and underlying menace. Adra is a figure of both fascination and fear, slowly unveiling her malevolent nature as the story progresses. Cook’s performance captures the essence of a creature whose manipulations are both seductive and terrifying, making Adra a character who lingers in the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll.
- Eddie: Eddie is a typical “bad influence” friend whose brashness pushes Chris toward disaster. His character adds levity to the film but also acts as a catalyst for Chris’ poor decisions. Derek Smith’s performance feels grounded, bringing authenticity to the role of a friend who, while well-meaning, ultimately accelerates Chris’ downfall.
- Dr. Zephyr (Ron Perlman): Perlman’s portrayal of Dr. Zephyr, a man with a history of encountering succubi, adds depth to the narrative. Zephyr warns Chris of the danger, but Chris’s refusal to heed his advice seals his fate. Perlman’s character offers gravitas to the story, and his presence adds layers of tension in the film’s climactic moments.
Visual and Cinematography: Claustrophobic and Dark
Visually, Succubus excels in creating a sense of confinement and unease. The film’s heavy use of digital interfaces—such as phone screens, laptop chats, and nanny cams—creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors Chris’s psychological state. Director R.J. Daniel Hanna uses these minimalist settings effectively, intensifying the feeling of isolation and helplessness.
The limited locations also serve a thematic purpose, as Chris’s world is shrinking around him, much like a web spun by Adra. The cinematography embraces shadows and dim lighting, enhancing the dark, foreboding tone. The use of practical effects, particularly during the film’s shocking kill sequences, gives the horror a visceral and unnerving quality.
Themes and Message: The Dangers of Loneliness and Desire
At its core, Succubus explores themes of loneliness, temptation, and the dangers of losing oneself in digital spaces. Chris’s emotional insecurities and longing for connection make him an easy target for Adra’s manipulations. The film delves into the idea of how modern technology can blur the lines between reality and fantasy, especially when it comes to relationships.
The succubus myth, traditionally a symbol of seduction and destruction, is updated to reflect the modern era, where digital platforms can become breeding grounds for manipulation and deceit. Succubus serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of giving in to desires without considering the cost.
Comparison to Similar Films
Succubus shares thematic similarities with films like Cam (2018) and Unfriended (2014), where technology and the digital world play central roles in the horror. Like Cam, Succubus uses the internet as a tool for both connection and alienation, showing how easy it is to fall prey to unseen dangers in the virtual realm.
While Cam focuses more on the exploitation of identity, Succubus leans heavily into the psychological manipulation of desire. In comparison to Unfriended, Succubus has a more intimate feel, as the horror is more psychological and personal, with fewer characters and a more focused narrative.
Direction and Style: A Blend of Old and New Horror
R.J. Daniel Hanna’s direction successfully balances modern digital horror with traditional storytelling. The film’s pace is deliberate, allowing tension to build naturally without relying on jump scares or excessive gore. Hanna’s use of practical effects, particularly during the film’s pivotal kill sequence, brings an old-school horror vibe that contrasts nicely with the modern setting.
However, some elements of the film feel underdeveloped, particularly the character of Dr. Zephyr. While Ron Perlman brings a strong presence to the role, his character’s backstory and motivations could have been explored further to enhance the narrative’s depth.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Succubus (2024)?
Succubus (2024) is a horror film that will leave you unsettled. Its blend of psychological horror, digital seduction, and mythological themes makes it an intriguing, if not entirely cohesive, experience. The performances, particularly from Brendan Bradley and Rachel Cook, are solid, and the film’s visual style enhances its dark atmosphere. However, the film’s pacing and certain underdeveloped elements prevent it from reaching its full potential.
For fans of digital horror and modern twists on classic myths, Succubus offers a fresh take that is worth watching. While it may not become an instant classic, it has the potential to build a cult following over time.
Rating: 5.5/10
If you’re in the mood for a tense and chilling horror experience with a modern twist, Succubus is now available on VOD. Watch it on Gomovies or find out where to stream it here.
Check out the trailer here.
