“Fréwaka” follows Shoo, a primary care nursing student who takes a placement in a remote Irish village. There, she cares for Peig, a reclusive, older woman who lives in fear.

Early Thrills Quickly Fade

“Fréwaka” immediately delivers chills in its opening sequence. But after that, the film takes a noticeable step down. The first half leans on jump scares and dream sequences while trying to build a connection between Shoo and Peig. Despite the effort, not much actually happens.

Once the scares fade, “Fréwaka” struggles to keep momentum. Even as mysteries unfold and characters deepen, the plot drags. The film reveals new layers, but without strong narrative movement, the middle act feels stagnant.

A Haunting Second Half

Thankfully, the film bounces back in its final 45 minutes. Once it’s done laying the groundwork, “Fréwaka” fully embraces its horror. These aren’t just cheap jumps — the movie uses everything it’s established and turns it on its head. That makes the suspense more terrifying and earned.

The sound design and score heighten the experience. Subtle background noises add constant unease, while the warped, ambient score frequently chills the spine. In horror, sound is everything — and here, it’s exceptional.

Slow-Burn Horror With Staying Power

“Fréwaka” is not for casual viewers. It’s a slow burn that demands attention, asking the audience to invest in its environment, characters and mythology. But those who stick with it will be rewarded. The chilling atmosphere, layered storytelling and disturbing imagery create something that lingers. Its unanswered questions only deepen the unease.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5