Top Five Central Asian Horror Films in the Run-up to Halloween

In the run-up to Halloween, TCA has compiled a short list of the best Central Asian horror films. Although the region is not widely known for its movies in the genre, here are five horror films from Central Asia that are a must-watch.   Dästür – Kazakhstan (2023) [caption id="attachment_24810" align="aligncenter" width="619"] Dästür theatrical release poster[/caption] In Dästür, the plot revolves around a girl from a remote aul (village) who is raped by the spoiled son of an influential businessman. The attacker's father does everything in his power to cover up the crime, including arranging a forced marriage in accordance with local traditions. However, after the girl moves into her husband's home, a series of strange and mysterious deaths begin to occur among those responsible for her plight.   Invisible – Uzbekistan (2011) [caption id="attachment_24825" align="aligncenter" width="374"] Invisible theatrical release poster[/caption] At the heart of Invisible is a hospital where a mysterious man arrives in critical condition. After a complicated surgery, the doctor begins to sense that something terrifying and inexplicable is affecting the patient. As events unfold, his suspicions are confirmed: some patients appear to be possessed, and he is plagued by hallucinations and unsettling nightmares.   Claustro – Kazakhstan (2023) [caption id="attachment_24811" align="aligncenter" width="539"] Claustro theatrical release poster[/caption] Kazakh horror Claustro takes viewers into the mysterious world of confined space. During a holiday party, two casual acquaintances, Kem and Max, retreat to an apartment, only to find themselves trapped as the place refuses to let them leave. Windows and doors lead to new, endless mazes of rooms, creating a feeling of complete isolation.   Albarsty – Kyrgyzstan (2017) [caption id="attachment_24812" align="aligncenter" width="524"] Albarsty theatrical release poster[/caption] Albarsty is a psychological horror that immerses viewers in the world of fear, loss, and the supernatural. The main characters, Zamir and Ainura, struggle with a deep emotional crisis following the tragic loss of their child and their inability to conceive again. Seeking comfort and renewed hope, they decide to adopt a boy, Ulan, whom they suspect has brought an unwelcome entity — a demon (albarsty) into their home.   Qash – Kazakhstan (2022) [caption id="attachment_24813" align="aligncenter" width="544"] Qash theatrical release poster[/caption] Set amidst the famine of the 1930s, Qash tells the story of a gravedigger, Isatay, who embarks on a risky journey to the nearest town to save his aul. On his way, he meets a mysterious wanderer who shows him a path that leads to nowhere. Qash delves into the theme of survival, immersing the audience in an atmosphere of despair and hopelessness while challenging the moral choices individuals make under extreme conditions.