Malevolent follows a group of students who are making easy money scamming relatives of the recently deceased but in the hope of pocketing some quick cash, they reluctantly agree to one last job.

The horror genre has been a happy hunting ground for Netflix in recent years. The Babysitter and The Haunting Of Hill House are just two Netflix Originals which have been loved by fans. Malevolent aims to build on that success with a blend of chills and creepy horror.

Directed by Olaf de Fleur Johannesson and starring Florence Pugh, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Scott Chambers and Georgina Bevan, the movie follows a group of scam artists who get more than they bargained for when a job at a country estate gets out of hand.

It is a tale of of deception, paranormal encounters, and personal redemption but is it worth watching?

What Is Malevolent About?

Con artists Angela and Jackson are brother and sister. The siblings use a fake ‘psychic’ scam to supplement their income whilst studying at university.

They take advantage of the vulnerable by claiming to be able to communicate with the dead and assuage their guilt by maintaining their ‘psychic’ services bring closure to the grieving families.

Angela is the fake medium who claims she can speak with the departed. She is played by Florence Pugh, but of course, it’s all a scam and Angela has no psychic abilities. The team uses a mix of technology and confidence tricks to deceive the families.

Jackson is Angela’s brother and his role is to talk up his sister’s abilities and collect the payments. But when the scams start to take an emotional toll on the team, the group decide to disband.

However, when Jackson racks-up a debt with a local gangster the team is forced to take one last job. They travel to a remote house in the Scottish highlands to help a woman who claims to be hearing ghostly screams.

From the moment the team arrives, the tension builds. Angela begins having creepy, unexplained visions whilst in the house. Jackson convinces her it’s all in the mind. Or is it?

Malevolent Official Trailer

Is Malevolent Worth Watching?

If the first half of Malevolent is akin to The Woman In Black then the second half is more like Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

The film's shift in gear is jolting, especially after the low key opening. However, this helps break the tension which director Olaf de Fleur skilfully develops.

While this film is not overly scary, it does have a few genuine ‘jumpy’ moments. With plenty of gore, the plot twists and turns unexpectedly creating a decent horror flick.

Overall, Malevolent is a thrilling supernatural movie that blends elements of horror, psychological drama, and personal growth.

The movie captivates with its atmospheric setting, well-developed characters, and unexpected plot twists. Through Angela and Janet's journey, it explores the power of empathy, the consequences of deception, and the possibility of redemption in the face of darkness.

What Does Malevolent Mean?

The term “malevolent” is an English adjective that describes someone or something that has a strong inclination or intent to do harm, evil, or cause suffering.

It refers to a malicious or wicked nature, often associated with ill will, spite, or a desire to inflict pain on others.

Malevolence can manifest in various forms, such as intentional cruelty, destructive actions, or harmful intentions.

In the context of the movie Malevolent, the title suggests the presence of malevolent spirits or forces that bring harm to those involved in the story.