What critics are saying about DIABOLIC
Acclaimed by critics and celebrated at film festivals worldwide
Praised as a breakout genre success, Diabolic fuses horror and the supernatural with religious mythology to create a “hauntingly oppressive” experience. After its sold‑out Adelaide Film Festival premiere, the film went on to win the Monster Fest award for Best Australian Feature and has been hailed by critics for its atmosphere, storytelling and performances.
What critics are saying about DIABOLIC
A cult horror film that builds toward a wild and impactful final act, with a third act that delivers brutal, memorable horror and solidifies the film’s lasting impression. The explosive climax reframes the preceding tension and ensures the film resonates strongly with genre audiences.
- Bloody DisgustingAnchored by Elizabeth Cullen’s emotionally intense performance, Diabolic merges psychological horror with supernatural possession to deliver a disturbing and character-driven narrative. The emotional grounding of the story strengthens the horror elements and deepens the audience’s connection to Elise’s unraveling.
- Mama's GeekyNeill Frazer calls it “one of the best horror movies of 2026,” noting that it “looks and sounds amazing for a small Australian film” and dares to possess “your undivided attention, and perhaps a sliver of your faith’s underbelly.” He also lauds Elizabeth Cullen’s lead performance and the director’s masterful blending of folkloric dread and psychological unraveling.
- OutLoud! CultureDescribes Diabolic as “a bleak possession film with some serious folk‑horror vibes” and notes that it’s “reminiscent of The Witch” with “gore and special effects [that] were truly impressive… definitely up there as one of my favourite films during Monster Fest.”
- Wall of SoundReviewer Sergio Pereira says the ending is “fit to rival the insidiousness of William Friedkin’s The Exorcist … creepy, unsettling, and—pardon the pun—diabolical.” He describes Elizabeth Cullen’s performance as “showstopping” and notes that the film is “smart and sinister – what more could you want from a horror movie?!”.
- Fortress of SolitudeKarina Adelgaard asserts that Diabolic is “a new horror movie that you do not want to miss out on” offering “a terrifying look at the horrors of fundamentalism.” She notes that it’s both “heartbreaking and scary as hell,” that it “packs a punch” and leaves you wanting more. Adelgaard calls the film “a very pleasant (and terrifying) surprise,” praising its combination of horror and heart.
- Heaven of HorrorJoe Botten observes that, on paper, the film sounds generic, but “it’s much better than you think” with “surprisingly potent scares” that had him wishing he’d watched it in the daytime. He praises Daniel J. Phillips’ confident command of mood, describing some of the “best creeping‑dread sequences in recent memory.” The review notes that the film disturbs “as much for what it implies as for what it shows” and that the final eruption of horror “earns every bit of its impact.” Botten also calls Elizabeth Cullen’s performance a breakout, describing her as feeling every fear and trauma on screen.
- Loud and Clear reviewsSuvo Pyne says the film “wears its inspirations on its sleeve” but crafts “a striking image of a riveting horror film” and evokes dread through “clever scare techniques… bolstered by Elizabeth Cullen’s committed central performance.” Pyne notes that director Phillips’ strength lies in executing familiar tropes with conviction and using makeup and practical effects to create unforgettable macabre scenes. The film’s shadows and silhouettes make the imagination do the work, and Cullen delivers a “memorably anchored” performance.
- High on FilmsA dark and uncompromising independent horror film that reinforces its place within the contemporary indie genre, driven by tone, atmosphere, and confident execution. Its consistent tension and refusal to dilute its themes strengthen its standing among modern independent horror releases.
- Subculture EntertainmentDiabolic enters the possession horror space through the lens of FLDS extremism, creating an unsettling and atmospherically charged experience that distinguishes itself through religious specificity and thematic ambition. Its exploration of fundamentalist culture and religious trauma adds weight and texture to the supernatural narrative, elevating it beyond standard genre fare.
— AIPT ComicsA slow-burn religious horror that commits fully to psychological dread, prioritizing atmosphere and thematic exploration of trauma over conventional genre shortcuts. Its deliberate pacing allows tension to build organically, reinforcing the film’s focus on religious trauma and internal conflict.
- GazettelyWriter James Murphy says the film is “a hallucinatory descent where faith, trauma, and possession blur until they are indistinguishable” and that director Daniel J. Phillips “splices the DNA of The Exorcist and The Blair Witch Project,” ultimately leaving audiences uneasy “not because of its demons, but because it understands faith’s craving for them.”
— The ScoopDiabolic is generating “serious buzz” for its “slow burn intensity and unnerving realism, the kind of horror that crawls under your skin and stays there.” Early audiences call Elizabeth Cullen’s performance “a masterclass in slow, suffocating terror,” and critics praise the film’s haunting cinematography, practical effects and nerve‑twisting sound design.
- Blunt MagazineBee Delores gives the film a full five‑star rating, calling it “one of the best films of 2026 so far!” She notes that Diabolic uses “terrifying, mind‑melting imagery and strong performances across the board” to make it an early contender for best horror. The film “examines religious fundamentalism and its stranglehold on our culture” and delivers
- B Sides & BadlandsRecommends Diabolic as “a haunting new horror film that’s the perfect pick for anyone who enjoyed horror movies like The First Omen,” highlighting that it mines religious imagery and satirical commentary to deliver a “haunting story with ties to real‑world faiths.”
- Screen RantThe site says that Diabolic “builds to the climax in a way that’ll have you unsettled long before the end credits roll,” creating an uneasy atmosphere. It explores how deep religious trauma goes (including the community’s homophobia), notes the creepy visuals and isolated atmosphere, and praises Elizabeth Cullen for shining as the vulnerable lead. The review concludes that the film “is worth immersing yourself in.”
- Macabre DailyLauren Weiner writes that Diabolic combines religious extremism and the occult, and that “nothing is scarier than extreme fundamental religious groups.” She calls Elizabeth Cullen “superb,” noting her expressive but restrained performance. The review states that the film’s terror is palpable and strong, with effective jump scares, rich practical effects, and unpredictable twists that create “a can’t‑look‑away feeling.”
- Third Coast ReviewA confident and atmospheric religious horror, Diabolic leans into its unsettling premise with conviction, delivering escalating tension and a finale that leaves a lasting impact. Its commitment to mood, performance, and psychological intensity reinforces its strength as a standout independent horror release.
- On The Run MoviesThe film’s striking visuals, oppressive atmosphere, and evocative score combine to create sustained tension, with production design and imagery driving many of its most effective scares. Its commitment to cinematic craft and supernatural intensity reinforces its identity as a visually confident horror film.
— Horror BuzzDiabolic flips the traditional possession formula, reframing the genre through themes of identity, agency, and inherited trauma while maintaining its supernatural intensity. By challenging standard genre expectations, it positions itself as a modern and subversive take on possession horror.
- Female AntagonistReviewer Kitty Goodall calls Diabolic “the Australian supernatural chiller you’ll want to summon” and praises it as “eerie, clever, and [able] to twist your nerves just when you think you’re safe.” She adds that the film is “visually stunning,” with art direction that makes the baptism site “eerie and sinister,” and labels it “a lean, mean nightmare machine … creepy, stylish and smart enough to keep horror buffs happy without losing the casual scream‑seekers.”
— Weekend NotesTrista Coulter writes that the film fuses horror and the supernatural with religious mythology to create “a hauntingly oppressive film” that pays homage to classic horror. She notes that Elizabeth Cullen gives a “spine‑tingling performance” and that the opening scene’s unsettling tone and decaying settings create a foreboding sense of isolation. The reviewer labels the film “uniquely unsettling.”
- scenstrTyler Unsell argues that Diabolic is “explicit in its engagement with LDS fundamentalism” and that this specificity is its strength. He praises Elizabeth Cullen’s “deeply vulnerable performance,” the gothic severity of the baptismal room, and a practical effects reveal that will make genre fans sit up and grin. Though he calls the film messy, he emphasises that it’s “committed … confrontational, and deeply sincere in its anger.”
- Signal HorizonTheir review notes a “quiet confidence” to Diabolic, saying it isn’t chasing shocks but explores memory, identity and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes the scariest thing isn’t what’s haunting you—but what you’ve buried.” They highlight that it operates in the psychological and emotional realm, focusing on internal horror such as identity loss and social taboos, and conclude that it’s “a solid, well‑considered horror film that understands its themes and commits to them fully.”
- Horror Movies UncutReviewer Casey remarks that a “foreboding sense of dread creeps up from the strong start,” with a macabre baptism scene and “creepy imagery”. He applauds Phillips’ insistence on using practical effects and notes that despite some narrative shortcomings, the “dread‑inducing tension [is] consistently deliberate” through its paced runtime. The film uses minimal jump scares and is backed by a “scene‑stealing performance” from Elizabeth Cullen.
- Casey's Movie ManiaThis coverage describes Diabolic as an “edge‑of‑your‑seat horror thriller” based on real events and “pure blood‑curdling fantasy.” During the screening, once the horror unleashes the “jump scares come at you” with “several satisfying twists and turns,” and the dark forces feel “constantly just underneath the calm exterior of the remote wood cabin setting.”
- The AU ReviewIn addition to festival awards and professional critic reviews, DIABOLIC has generated widespread praise across social media platforms including Instagram and TikTok, where horror audiences have highlighted its chilling tone, disturbing imagery, and unforgettable final act.