The Beldham (2024): A Haunting, Maternal Psychological Horror
The Beldham is a slow-burning psychological horror film from 2024, written and directed by Angela Gulner in her feature debut. With an eerie atmosphere and unsettling emotional themes, the film dives into the isolation and paranoia of new motherhood, weaving supernatural elements with real-world mental and emotional struggles.
The story centers on Harper, played by Katie Parker, a new mother suffering from postpartum anxiety. After moving into her family’s rural farmhouse with her infant child, she begins to experience chilling phenomena. Supported by her mother Sadie (Patricia Heaton) and a kind caregiver named Bette (Emma Fitzpatrick), Harper’s fragile state begins to unravel as she hears whispers, glimpses shadowy figures, and senses a malevolent presence stalking her baby.
As Harper’s visions intensify, she becomes fixated on the legend of "The Beldham" — a terrifying, birdlike witch figure drawn from ancient folklore. Whether the entity is real or a manifestation of Harper’s deteriorating mental state remains unclear, deepening the film’s psychological tension. The horror grows as Harper’s relationships strain under the weight of doubt, fear, and unresolved trauma between her and her mother.
Katie Parker delivers a raw, emotionally layered performance that anchors the film. Her portrayal of Harper’s descent into fear, confusion, and desperation is subtle and heartbreaking. Patricia Heaton, in her first major horror role, plays Sadie with an ambiguous warmth — a mother who may be helping, enabling, or hiding her own secrets. The chemistry between the two creates a compelling dynamic that drives the emotional core of the story.
Visually, the film leans into a moody, rustic aesthetic. Cinematographer Ksusha Genenfeld uses natural lighting, soft shadows, and close compositions to enhance the feeling of claustrophobia and unease. The farmhouse becomes both sanctuary and prison, blurring the boundary between safety and threat. The sound design is equally effective, with whispering voices, creaking floorboards, and bird-like screeches creating an ever-present sense of dread.
What sets The Beldham apart is its focus on psychological and emotional horror rather than jump scares. The pacing is deliberate, building slowly toward a third act twist that recontextualizes much of what came before. The film subtly critiques societal expectations of motherhood and explores how trauma, generational pressure, and mental illness can fester in silence.
While the film may feel too slow or ambiguous for some horror fans, its themes resonate deeply, especially with those drawn to character-driven stories. It's evocative of classics like The Babadook and The Others, focusing more on atmosphere and emotion than traditional horror spectacle.
In conclusion, The Beldham is an intelligent and chilling meditation on motherhood, madness, and the dark corners of the family home. With compelling performances, elegant direction, and a steady grip on psychological tension, it marks an impressive debut for Angela Gulner and a welcome addition to modern horror that values mood and meaning over cheap thrills.
