The Unfamiliar (2020)
A British Army doctor returns home from war only to face a terror far worse than the battlefield — a supernatural evil hiding within her own family.
The Unfamiliar - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Unfamiliar
- Release Year: 2020
- Directed by: Henk Pretorius
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller, Horror
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 19, 2021 (Russia - 18+), September 9, 2021 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: 언표밀리어 (KR)
- Production Companies: Dark Matter Studios, Trigger Films, Onsight
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Unfamiliar - Plot
A British Army doctor comes back from a war, thinking that she has PTSD only to discover that there is a more daunting malevolence at work making the life that she knew unfamiliar.
The Unfamiliar - Trailer
See the dread unfold in the official trailer for The Unfamiliar:
Some fears haunt you from within.
Where to Watch The Unfamiliar
Looking for where to watch The Unfamiliar?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Unfamiliar - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Henk Pretorius
Main Cast
- Jemima West
- Christopher Dane
- Rebecca Hanssen
- Harry McMillan-Hunt
- Rachel Lin
- Tori Butler-Hart
- Guy Warren-Thomas
- Beatrice Woolrych
- Ben Lee
Writers
- Henk Pretorius
- Jennifer Nicole Stang
Producers
- Llewelynn Greeff
- Barend Kruger
The Unfamiliar - FAQs
What is The Unfamiliar about?
The Unfamiliar follows Izzy Cormack, a British Army doctor who returns home from war expecting to battle PTSD — only to find something far darker at work. A malevolent supernatural force has infiltrated her family, making everything she once knew feel deeply, disturbingly wrong.
Is The Unfamiliar based on a true story?
No, The Unfamiliar is not based on a true story. It's an original supernatural horror screenplay written by director Henk Pretorius and Jennifer Nicole Stang. The film draws on Hawaiian and Polynesian folklore to build its mythology, giving it a distinctive cultural flavor rarely seen in British horror.
Where can you stream The Unfamiliar?
You can catch The Unfamiliar on Amazon Prime Video or watch it free with ads on Pluto TV and Fandango at Home Free. It's also available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Amazon Video, and Fandango At Home — plenty of ways to watch.
What supernatural folklore does The Unfamiliar draw from?
The Unfamiliar taps into Hawaiian and Polynesian mythology, specifically the concept of a malevolent spirit that invades a family and replaces loved ones with something sinister. This cultural angle sets it apart from typical Western ghost stories and gives the horror a fresh, unsettling dimension.
Who stars in The Unfamiliar?
Jemima West leads the cast as Izzy Cormack, the army doctor at the center of the story. She's joined by Christopher Dane as her husband Ethan, Rebecca Hanssen and Harry McMillan-Hunt as their children, and Rachel Lin, Tori Butler-Hart, and Guy Warren-Thomas in key supporting roles.
Does The Unfamiliar have a twist ending?
The Unfamiliar builds toward a climax that recontextualizes much of what came before, leaning into its supernatural mythology for a resolution that's more folklore-rooted than jump-scare driven. Viewers who enjoy horror that rewards attention to detail will find the ending particularly satisfying.
Who directed The Unfamiliar and what else have they made?
Henk Pretorius directed The Unfamiliar and also co-wrote the screenplay with Jennifer Nicole Stang. Pretorius is a South African filmmaker known for working across genres. The Unfamiliar marks his foray into supernatural horror, and he also served as a producer on the project.
What are similar movies to The Unfamiliar?
If The Unfamiliar hit the spot, you might enjoy Blackwood (2014) or Eradication (2022) for similar slow-burn supernatural dread. Dead of Winter (1987) and The Infernal Machine (2022) offer comparable psychological tension, while Compulsion (2024) and Aftermath (2024) round out the mood nicely.
More About The Unfamiliar
Explore further details and official listings for The Unfamiliar below.