For over a century, horror movies have delved into the fears and anxieties of audiences, evolving their monsters as the genre has progressed. In many iconic horror films, the opening sequence introduces the central monster and sets the tone for the rest of the film.
For instance, Scream’s opening is fast-paced and intense, while The Exorcist starts slow and atmospheric. Although creating an unforgettable horror movie opening is challenging, it is not impossible. Director David Prior achieved this with his debut film, The Empty Man.
This supernatural mystery was overlooked when it was released in 2020, partly due to the pandemic and Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox. However, as more viewers discovered this hidden gem on streaming platforms, they quickly recognized the brilliance of the first act.
While The Empty Man loses touch with reality as it progresses to its ambitious and existential finale, the opening remains exceptional. It stands alongside classics like Scream and The Exorcist, immediately drawing viewers into a terrifying experience. David Prior accomplished this by creating a monster that no one would want to encounter.
‘The Empty Man’ Starts with a Hike Gone Wrong
In 1995, a group of friends sets out on a hike in Ura Valley, Bhutan, hoping to escape the pressures of society. Greg (Evan Jonigkeit) and Fiona (Jessica Matten) are experienced climbers, while Paul (Aaron Poole) and Ruthie (Virginia Kull) are less skilled.
The situation takes a dark turn when Paul falls into a cave and enters a catatonic state. As a snowstorm approaches, the group seeks refuge in an abandoned house, unsure of what is happening to Paul.
Soon, Ruthie begins to notice strange sounds and sights that the others do not. Something is closing in on them, and they have no way to stop it.
Over three days, the creeping dread, unsettling visuals, and cold, isolated setting turn this opening sequence into a terrifying experience for horror fans. The Ura Valley setting is a stark contrast to the rest of the movie, an unconventional storytelling choice that enhances the impact of the intro.
‘The Empty Man’ Echoes Another Horror Classic
The film then shifts from Bhutan in 1995 to Missouri in 2018, transforming into a noir murder mystery. Ex-cop James Lasombra (James Badge Dale) agrees to help a neighbor find her missing daughter. As he investigates, Lasombra uncovers a series of deaths linked to the urban legend of “The Empty Man” and the cult that worships it.
Unlike the snowy mountains of Bhutan, Lasombra’s investigation takes place in rain-soaked suburban and urban areas. The Exorcist similarly begins with an overseas prologue where Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) encounters the demon Pazazu in Iraq before the story moves to Georgetown, USA.
Both The Exorcist and The Empty Man establish the ancient nature of their threats, whether through centuries-old evidence found in an archaeological dig or Paul’s discovery in the cave. These opening sequences are lengthy, adding to the feeling of unease that permeates the rest of the films.
Not All Horror Movies Rush to Scare You
Pacing is crucial in horror films, and The Empty Man takes its time building a slow-burn narrative. The 22-minute opening works as a self-contained story with different characters in a different setting. It doesn’t fully connect to Lasombra’s investigation until much later in the film.
The supernatural mysteries are not over-explained, similar to Father Merrin’s trip to Iraq in The Exorcist or the slow, glacial camera movements in Alien that depict the deep space isolation of the Nostromo crew.
This approach creates a sense of unease, as viewers aren’t aware of the horror that is about to unfold. The first 22 minutes of The Empty Man feel like a separate film, only loosely connected to Lasombra’s investigation in 2018.
Yet, David Prior uses every minute effectively, building dread that hints at a terrible outcome for the group of friends trapped on the mountain. With minimal music, the howling winds and the group’s isolation contribute to a feeling that something is deeply wrong.
The Cosmic Horror of ‘The Empty Man’ is Unsettling
When Paul hears a faint whistle that only he can hear, curiosity leads him to fall into a crevice, where he encounters a massive skeleton fused with a cave wall.
The visual is deeply unsettling, as the skeleton appears unnatural and ancient. Creature and character designer Ken Barthelmey created this disturbing image, drawing inspiration from surrealist painter Zdzislaw Beksinski’s The Trumpeter and the Space Jockey in Alien.
The skeleton represents something older than humanity, a difficult truth that is central to cosmic horror. When Greg tries to help Paul, his friend warns, “If you touch me, you’ll die.” The shrine has a hold on Paul that neither Greg nor the audience fully understands.
Ignoring the warning, Greg helps Paul out of the crevice, but Paul falls into a catatonic state. His girlfriend, Ruthie, stays by his side, and whatever has overtaken him soon infects her as well.
The tales of H.P. Lovecraft and other creators of cosmic horror often explore unimaginable terrors that shatter the minds of mortals. Aaron Poole’s portrayal of Paul captures the intense internal struggle and the otherworldly control the ancient entity has over him. He barely manages to warn Greg, hinting at the cosmic horror that will soon consume the group.
‘The Empty Man’ Leaves a Lasting Impression
The Empty Man was not a hit when it was released, but it showcased David Prior’s ability to tell compelling horror stories. Recently, he directed a segment of Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, which also centers on a mystery with supernatural horror.
“The Autopsy” is a worthy companion to The Empty Man, especially during its last 30 minutes, when Dr. Carl Winters (F. Murray Abraham) performs autopsies on dead miners to uncover what killed them.
As Dr. Winters works alone at night, he discovers that the culprit is an inhuman and hostile force, creating another bleak cosmic horror tale. What David Prior achieved with the first 22 minutes of The Empty Man remains unique, standing out even among his other work.
While the rest of the film is creepy, the 1995 prologue is the most mysterious and unsettling part. The ancient entity remains largely unexplained, but it is clear that the human characters are no match for its power.
The Empty Man is currently available to stream on FX Now in the U.S.
