Episode 55: Dark Devotion and Ancient Terrors In this episode, Kit Mann delves into three chilling films that blend religious devotion, ancient legends, and unsettling horror: Saint Maud, The Offering, and The Sentinel. Each of these films explores faith, fear, and the unknown, portraying characters who confront personal demons, supernatural horrors, and terrifying forces that challenge their deepest beliefs. We begin with Saint Maud, the haunting debut from Rose Glass, which follows a young nurse whose religious fervor leads her down a path of darkness. Kit examines the powerful symbolism in Maud’s journey as her need to save her patient’s soul turns into dangerous obsession, offering insights into how faith, guilt, and isolation can lead to disturbing consequences. Saint Maud is known for its stark atmosphere, psychological intensity, and unsettling ambiguity, making it a modern classic in religious horror. Next, we explore The Offering, a film steeped in Jewish folklore, where a grieving family unwittingly unleashes the malevolent Abyzou, a demon of ancient mythology. Kit discusses the significance of Abyzou’s myth and the film’s cultural authenticity, noting how the demon’s threat to the family—and their unborn child—connects to themes of lineage, faith, and cultural survival. With chilling visuals and a deep-rooted connection to Jewish demonology, The Offering offers a unique perspective within the horror genre. Finally, we travel back to The Sentinel (1977), Michael Winner’s supernatural thriller where a young woman’s new apartment in Brooklyn Heights harbors a portal to Hell. Featuring an ensemble cast of iconic actors, The Sentinel delves into the clash between the modern world and ancient evils. Kit explores the film’s controversial production, its blend of psychological and supernatural horror, and the grim significance of its “gatekeeper” lore. In this episode, Kit unpacks how each film uses religious themes to explore the nature of devotion, ancient myths, and humanity’s deep-seated fears of the unknown. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet intensity of Saint Maud, the mythological terror of The Offering, or the chilling mystery of The Sentinel, this episode of Vox Macabre will take you deep into the shadows where faith and fear meet.