In the quiet countryside, an ancient evil waits to be respected—or feared.
Unwelcome (2022) is a chilling blend of folk horror and psychological thriller that draws from ancient myths and primal fears. Directed by Jon Wright, the film places an unsuspecting couple in a rural Irish village, where the serenity of the countryside hides something far more sinister beneath the surface. Merging folklore with real-world dread, Unwelcome explores the danger of ignoring ancient warnings—and the terror of becoming unwelcome in your own home.
The story follows Jamie (Douglas Booth) and Maya (Hannah John-Kamen), a young couple who escape the trauma of a violent break-in in London by relocating to a seemingly idyllic cottage in Ireland, inherited from a family member. But peace eludes them. They are soon warned of mysterious creatures that dwell in the surrounding woods—redcaps, ancient goblins of Irish legend who demand respect and offerings... or they take what they want.
As tensions rise with their new neighbors and the couple tries to settle into unfamiliar traditions, the boundaries between superstition and reality begin to crumble. When Maya becomes pregnant, the stakes grow higher—what begins as folklore quickly morphs into a living nightmare as the redcaps emerge from the shadows.
Visually, the film captures the eerie beauty of rural landscapes while building an oppressive atmosphere of dread. Claustrophobic interiors contrast with the untamed outdoors, creating a setting that feels both wide open and dangerously close. The creatures themselves are grotesque and terrifying, not merely monsters, but reflections of long-buried violence and retribution.
Unwelcome is not just a creature feature—it’s a commentary on trauma, cultural displacement, and the mythic power of the land. With strong performances and moments of shocking brutality, it delivers both scares and substance.
