Homegrown horror to make you quake and quiver. Daniel J. Phillips’ follow-up to Awoken (AFF 2020) has everything you could want to make your blood curdle – a religious cult, a troubled young woman, hallucinogenic therapy, and arcane evil that refuses to die.

Elise undergoes a baptism ritual that unleashes a malevolent force within her. Some years later her psychiatrist recommends that she confront her turbulent past as a form of exposure therapy – a last-ditch attempt to improve her life and prevent inevitable hospitalisation. We often hear about confronting your demons, but these are certainly no ordinary demons. When you demonise women, you had better be prepared for some devastating consequences.

Diabolic sees the cream of Adelaide’s young talent producing a real breakout horror success. Mike Tessari’s low-key cinematography is moodily impressive, and the sound design will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to be afraid.