Succubus (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
If you’re a fan of horror films that mix technology with the supernatural, Succubus (2024) might just catch your interest. Directed by RJ Daniel Hanna, this new horror-thriller takes a modern twist on the ancient legend of the succubus, blending it with a world we’re all familiar with—the digital dating scene. Featuring a unique narrative approach and unsettling tension, Succubus leaves viewers with that “What did I just watch?” feeling, which often haunts you long after the credits roll.
In this review, we’ll dive into the film’s plot, acting, and overall effectiveness while also exploring where you can stream or rent Succubus online.
Plot Summary: A Haunting Tale of Lust, Loneliness, and Danger
Succubus centers around Christopher, a new father struggling with marital separation, exhaustion, and emotional insecurities. Played by Brendan Bradley, Chris is a man on the edge. His marriage is crumbling, and he’s tasked with watching his young son while his wife attends a bachelorette party. His best friend Eddie (played by Derek Smith), convinces him to join a dating app, StarCrossed, “just to see what’s out there.”
Reluctantly, Chris signs up, and it isn’t long before he matches with Adra, a mysterious and seductive woman played by Rachel Cook. As Chris becomes more drawn to Adra, her dark and manipulative side begins to surface, leading Chris into a chilling web of deception and danger. As their connection deepens, Chris starts to unravel a supernatural horror that could destroy his life.
Succubus plays with themes of loneliness, temptation, and the dangers of online interactions, all while threading an ancient myth into a modern-day scenario. The film successfully captures the anxieties of today’s dating culture, using minimal sets—often limited to phone screens, laptops, and nanny cams—heightening the claustrophobic atmosphere Chris experiences throughout the film.
Cast and Characters
- Brendan Bradley as Christopher: A weary and emotionally drained new father caught in a whirlwind of online seduction and supernatural forces.
- Rachel Cook as Adra: A mysterious, sensual woman who draws Chris into her dark web. Her performance as a modern succubus is both eerie and captivating.
- Ron Perlman as Dr. Orion Zephyr: A key figure who warns Chris about the dangers Adra poses. Perlman’s portrayal adds a necessary layer of tension and dread, as his character knows more about Adra than Chris initially realizes.
- Derek Smith as Eddie: Chris’s oversexed best friend who pushes him into the online dating scene, setting off the terrifying chain of events.
The performances range from solid to slightly uneven, but each actor brings something essential to the table. Brendan Bradley’s portrayal of Chris captures the vulnerability and confusion of a man grappling with his unraveling life, while Ron Perlman’s small yet significant role injects a sense of gravitas and foreshadowing.
Cinematography and Special Effects
One of the most unique aspects of Succubus is its minimalistic approach to storytelling. Much of the film’s narrative unfolds through the screens of phones and laptops, as Chris navigates his connection with Adra. This gives the movie a suffocating feel, amplifying Chris’s sense of isolation and helplessness.
The use of practical effects in the film’s key horror scenes stands out. A particularly gruesome death scene, which director RJ Daniel Hanna handles with unsettling precision, rivals iconic horror moments like the “yoga death” from In a Violent Nature. The film’s climax features a transformation that showcases Adra’s terrifying true form, using practical effects to deliver a memorable and shocking finale.
Where to Watch Succubus Online
The good news for horror enthusiasts is that Succubus is available for streaming and rental across multiple platforms. Shout! Studios, in partnership with Convoke Media and Pixium Film Group, has made the film accessible through Video on Demand (VOD) outlets.
Here’s where you can find Succubus online:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or purchase Succubus through Amazon’s VOD service. It is available in both HD and SD formats.
- Apple TV: If you prefer Apple’s platform, you can stream Succubus via rental or purchase on Apple TV.
- Google Play Movies & TV: This platform allows for both renting and purchasing the film in different resolutions.
- Vudu: Another popular option, Vudu provides Succubus for rent or purchase.
- YouTube Movies: You can rent or buy the movie directly from YouTube if that’s your preferred platform.
For horror fans in the U.S., these streaming options make it easy to experience Succubus from the comfort of your own home.
Final Thoughts: Does Succubus Deliver the Scares?
Succubus is a film that plays on modern fears—online deception, emotional vulnerability, and the unknown dangers lurking in the digital world. While the concept of a modern-day succubus luring a lonely man through a dating app is intriguing, the movie doesn’t quite pull together all its elements to make a truly unforgettable horror experience. Some of the acting feels inconsistent, and the plot, while engaging at times, may leave viewers wanting more depth and coherence.
That said, Succubus excels in creating a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere, and the practical effects work in key scenes stands out. The film might not be for everyone, but it has the potential to become a cult favorite among fans of supernatural horror.
