Malevolent

Florence Pugh’s Early Horror Turn in Malevolent—What We Know About the Netflix Chiller

Before Midsommar and Don’t Worry Darling made Florence Pugh a household name, she starred in Malevolent (2018), a Netflix horror film that flew under the radar but offered a glimpse of her talent for playing complex, haunted characters. Directed by Icelandic filmmaker Olaf de Fleur Johannesson, the movie blends supernatural scares with a twisty narrative, though its reception was decidedly mixed. latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what the limited behind-the-scenes buzz reveals about the production—and why Pugh’s role might have been a turning point.

A Netflix Original with Icelandic Roots

Malevolent marked a rare foray into horror for director Olaf de Fleur Johannesson, whose filmography leans toward crime dramas and documentaries . Known for blending social themes with genre elements, Johannesson brought an indie sensibility to the haunted-house thriller, which was produced as a Netflix Original. The film’s setting—a creepy English manor—contrasts with the director’s Icelandic roots, but his knack for atmospheric tension shines through in the final cut.

The movie’s production details are scarce, but its 89-minute runtime and modest budget suggest a lean shoot . Unlike big-studio horror flicks, Malevolent likely relied on practical effects and tight scripting to build suspense, a hallmark of Johannesson’s work in independent filmmaking .

Florence Pugh’s Pre-Fame Horror Role

Pugh’s casting as Angela, a fraudulent medium entangled in a real supernatural mystery, was a standout for horror fans. At the time, she was still a rising star—Lady Macbeth (2016) had earned critical acclaim, but Malevolent arrived before her breakout in Little Women (2019). Reviews noted her ability to balance vulnerability and steeliness, even in a genre film that didn’t fully capitalize on her range .

Co-star Ben Lloyd-Hughes, who plays Angela’s brother Jackson, shared the screen with Pugh in what appears to be a dynamic sibling duo. Their chemistry—rooted in shared secrets and moral ambiguity—drives the film’s emotional core, though some critics argued the script didn’t give them enough depth . Celia Imrie and James Cosmo round out the cast, adding gravitas to the supernatural proceedings.

Mixed Reception and Netflix’s Horror Gamble

Malevolent premiered on Netflix in October 2018, capitalizing on the streaming giant’s push into original horror content. The film’s trailer promised a gothic, twist-heavy thriller, but audience reactions were polarized. On SensCritique, it holds a 4.2/10 rating, with voters criticizing its pacing and predictable scares . YouTube reviewers were similarly divided—some called it a "hidden gem" for Pugh fans , while others dismissed it as forgettable .

The film’s Rotten Tomatoes page doesn’t list an official score, suggesting it never gained enough traction for widespread critical coverage . This lack of buzz might explain why Malevolent remains one of Pugh’s lesser-discussed projects, despite her later dominance in the genre (Midsommar, The Wonder).

**Why Malevolent Still Matters**

For Pugh, the role was a stepping stone—proof she could anchor a horror film before Midsommar cemented her scream-queen status. For Johannesson, it was a rare narrative feature amid his documentary-heavy filmography . And for Netflix, it was another experiment in mid-budget horror, a genre the platform has since doubled down on with mixed results.

The film’s biggest legacy might be its place in Pugh’s filmography: a pre-fame project that hinted at her ability to elevate even flawed material. As one reviewer put it, "Malevolent isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s worth a watch for Pugh’s performance alone" .