Did you know that the human mind has a fascinating ability to conjure up the most bone-chilling horrors?
It's as if our imagination has a dark, twisted side that revels in the thrill of fear. And that's exactly what The Empty Man taps into - a supernatural horror film that takes you on a mind-bending journey into the depths of terror.
Directed by David Prior, this gripping tale is based on the graphic novel of the same name, and it will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality.
So, buckle up and prepare to be consumed by the sinister forces that lurk within The Empty Man movie.

Synopsis
In the remote Ura Valley of Bhutan, four friends stumble upon a horrifying discovery while hiking. One of them becomes possessed by an evil spirit, leading to a series of brutal murders.
Years later in Missouri, former detective James Lasombra is still mourning the loss of his wife and son. When a local legend called the Empty Man resurfaces, James becomes entangled in a web of mystery and horror.
As he investigates the legend, James uncovers a cult known as the Pontifex Institute, which believes in the power of tulpas. He begins to experience strange occurrences and hallucinations, leading him to question his own reality.
James discovers that he himself is a tulpa, a vessel for the Empty Man. His memories and relationships were fabricated by the cult to ensure the deity's connection through his pain and loss.
In a desperate attempt to break free from the entity's control, James confronts the cult and learns the truth about his existence. He finds himself in a limbo-like dimension, where he ultimately succumbs to the Empty Man's power.
As the film reaches its chilling climax, James finds himself surrounded by members of the cult, who bow to him. The fate of James and the world hangs in the balance, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

Chapters
- The Empty Man: A Supernatural Horror Film
- The Source Material: The Graphic Novel
- The Main Theme: Manifesting Thoughts in a Physical World
- The Writer and Director: David Prior
- The Supernatural Elements in the Movie
- The Plot and Structure of the Film
- The Main Characters
- The Challenges Faced by the Characters
- The Horror Genre and The Empty Man
- The Reception of the Film
The Empty Man: A Supernatural Horror Film
The Empty Man is a 2020 supernatural horror film directed by David Prior. It is based on the graphic novel of the same name written by Cullen Bunn and illustrated by Vanesa Del Rey. The movie stars James Badge Dale, Marin Ireland, Stephen Root, Ron Canada, Robert Aramayo, Joel Courtney, and Sasha Frolova.
The story follows an ex-cop who investigates a missing girl and discovers a secret cult.
The Source Material: The Graphic Novel
The Empty Man is a graphic novel published by Boom! Studios in 2014. It was written by Cullen Bunn and illustrated by Vanesa Del Rey. The comic book series consists of six issues and has been collected into different editions. The graphic novel was later acquired by 20th Century Fox for a feature film adaptation.
The Main Theme: Manifesting Thoughts in a Physical World
The main theme of The Empty Man is the concept of manifesting one's thoughts in a physical world. The film explores the idea that thought can be harnessed and physically materialized. It suggests that the more people believe in something, the more powerful it becomes.
The Empty Man, the supernatural entity in the movie, kills to protect the "antenna" person and to enhance the level of fear within the community, which in turn increases people's belief in it.
The film also deals with themes of grief, loss, and trauma, and how people cope with these emotions.
The Writer and Director: David Prior
David Prior is the writer and director of The Empty Man, marking his feature directorial debut. He was hired by 20th Century Fox to adapt the graphic novel into a film. Prior's involvement in the project allowed him to introduce audiences to the world of The Empty Man, even though the film does not stick strictly to the source material.
The Supernatural Elements in the Movie
The Empty Man incorporates several supernatural elements:
- The Empty Man: This is the titular supernatural entity that the cult is attempting to summon. It is a malevolent force that can possess people and drive them to commit suicide. The movie does not provide a clear description of what The Empty Man looks like, adding to the sense of mystery and dread.
- Cult: The cult is a secretive and dangerous group of people who are trying to summon The Empty Man. Their actions are a major source of terror in the movie.
- Flashbacks and Trauma: The protagonist, an ex-cop named James Lasombra, is haunted by flashbacks and a troubled traumatic past. This trauma contributes to the movie's dark and unsettling atmosphere.
The Plot and Structure of the Film
The Empty Man follows the story of James Lasombra, an ex-cop who becomes involved in the investigation of a missing girl. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a sinister cult connected to the deaths of some teenagers.
The film incorporates elements of cosmic horror and supernatural horror, creating a sense of mystery and dread.
It is structured as a detective story, with James seeking answers about the cult and The Empty Man.
The movie is full of plot points, twists, and multiple timelines, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued.
The Main Characters
The Empty Man features several main characters:
Character | Actor/Actress | Description |
---|---|---|
James Lasombra | James Badge Dale | An ex-cop who investigates the missing girl and discovers the secret cult. |
Nora Quail | Marin Ireland | A woman connected to the missing girl who helps James in his investigation. |
Amanda Quail | Sasha Frolova | The missing girl that James is trying to find. |
Davara Walsh | Samantha Logan | A friend of Amanda's who tells James about the cult. |
Greg | Evan Jonigkeit | A member of the cult that James encounters during his investigation. |
Arthur Parsons | Stephen Root | A retired cop turned private investigator who helps James in his investigation. |
Paul | Aaron Poole | A member of the cult that James encounters during his investigation. |
The Challenges Faced by the Characters
The characters in The Empty Man face various challenges throughout the movie:
- Grief, Loss, and Trauma: James Lasombra is dealing with the loss of his wife and daughter, which affects his emotional state and motivations. The teenagers in the movie also face their own personal struggles and traumas.
- Sinister Cult: James uncovers a secretive and dangerous cult that is connected to the deaths of some teenagers and the disappearance of a young girl. The cult's actions pose a significant threat to the characters and contribute to the overall sense of terror in the movie.
- The Empty Man: The characters are trying to understand the true nature of The Empty Man and his connection to the cult. They must navigate the supernatural elements and the consequences of summoning The Empty Man.
- Mental Illness: The movie depicts mental illness and self-induced psychosis. The teenagers in the movie are dealing with their own personal struggles, including depression and anxiety, which adds another layer of complexity to the story.
The Horror Genre and The Empty Man
The Empty Man explores the horror genre in several ways:
- Philosophical Concept: The movie delves into the abstract concept of manifesting one's thoughts in a physical world, adding a deeply philosophical element to the horror genre.
- Slow Pacing: The film's slow pacing creates a sense of tension and unease, characteristic of many horror movies. It allows the audience to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and build anticipation.
- Mystery and Dread: The movie creates a sense of mystery and dread, keeping the audience on edge throughout the story. It presents unanswered questions and unexpected twists, adding to the overall sense of unease.
- Cosmic Horror: The Empty Man incorporates elements of cosmic horror, exploring the encroachment of nihilism into modern life and delving into existential themes. It taps into the fear of the unknown and the insignificance of humanity.
- Supernatural Entity: The film involves a secretive cult attempting to summon a terrifying supernatural entity, adding a supernatural and paranormal aspect to the horror genre. The presence of The Empty Man and the cult's actions contribute to the overall sense of terror and dread.
- Cult Status: Despite its mixed reception, The Empty Man has gained a cult following since its release. Some viewers appreciate the film's ambiguity, puzzle-like structure, and unique approach to the horror genre. It offers audiences something to decode and interpret, adding to its cult status.
The Reception of the Film
The overall reception of The Empty Man among audiences and critics is mixed. Some critics have praised the film for its chilling atmosphere, unexpected twists, and ambitious approach to the horror genre. However, others have criticized it for being confusing and poorly executed. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 44% approval rating based on 79 reviews, with an average rating of 5.2/10. The audience score on the same website is slightly higher, at 55% based on 250+ ratings. Despite its mixed reception, The Empty Man has gained a cult following since its release on streaming services. Some viewers appreciate the film's ambiguity, puzzle-like structure, and dark themes, finding enjoyment in its unsettling and thought-provoking nature.
Discussion topics

I have imagined continuations for 'The Empty Man'. If you are interested in knowing what will happen, check the link below or in the sidebar.

The last word on the matter
So, you've just finished watching The Empty Man and I bet your mind is swirling with thoughts and questions. Trust me, I know the feeling. This supernatural horror film takes you on a wild ride, leaving you both confused and captivated. Let's dive into the depths of this movie and explore some mind-boggling aspects.
From the very beginning, The Empty Man sets a chilling tone that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story follows James Lasombra, a former cop who gets entangled in a mysterious cult after his friend's daughter goes missing. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a dark secret surrounding the legend of the Empty Man, a supernatural entity that possesses people and drives them to commit unspeakable acts.
What makes this movie truly unique is its ability to blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. As the plot unfolds, you find yourself questioning what is real and what is merely a figment of the characters' imagination. The director, David Prior, masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.
But The Empty Man is more than just a horror film. It delves into deeper themes of guilt, grief, and the power of belief. It forces us to confront our own fears and the darkness that resides within us all. Are we truly empty vessels waiting to be filled by something sinister, or do we have the power to overcome our inner demons?
As the credits roll, you're left with a sense of unease and a multitude of unanswered questions. And that's the beauty of it. The Empty Man doesn't spoon-feed you all the answers. It leaves room for interpretation and invites you to ponder the nature of evil and the fragility of the human psyche.
So, my fellow movie enthusiast, let's embrace the enigmatic nature of The Empty Man and allow it to linger in our thoughts. Let's discuss and debate its hidden meanings, its symbolism, and its impact on our own perceptions of reality. Because in the end, it's not just a movie; it's a thought-provoking experience that challenges us to confront the emptiness within ourselves.
The Empty Man | Official Trailer | 20th Century Studios
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Links and references
The empty man movie explained / understanding the ending and story - FA1 2020
The empty man movie / alternative ending - FA1 2020
The sinister secrets unleashed, a terrifying journey into the unknown - FA1 2020
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