Uncovering the Lore of the Empty Man: A Deep Dive into the 2020 Horror Movie

Exploring the Mystery of "The Empty Man"

In 2020, the horror movie "The Empty Man" was released to theatres and streaming services. Based on the graphic novel series of the same name, the movie follows a former police officer named James Lasombra as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of his friend's daughter and encounters a sinister supernatural entity known as "The Empty Man."

The Origins of the Empty Man

"The Empty Man" graphic novel was created by writer Cullen Bunn and illustrator Vanesa R. Del Rey in 2014. The story centers around a secretive cult that worships an ominous mythical figure they call the Empty Man. This cult abducts people to serve as hosts for the Empty Man to manifest physically. The entity spreads like a virus, infecting new hosts and assuming control over their bodies and minds.

In the movie, James Lasombra discovers the legend of the Empty Man while looking into his friend's missing daughter. He learns that the Empty Man is an old folktale about a spirit that can only manifest by erasing a human host's soul and taking over their body. The cult seeks out vulnerable targets to transform into the Empty Man's avatars to do its sinister bidding.

Investigating the Empty Man's Trail

The Empty Man movie has James following a trail of breadcrumbs that ultimately leads him to an abandoned hospital in the woods. Within its walls, the Empty Man's cult has established a secret base of operations for their rituals. As James investigates further, he starts having visions and blackouts - possible signs that the Empty Man is trying to infect his mind.

One particularly disturbing scene shows the cult's initiation ritual, where new members are drowned until the point of death before being resuscitated. They believe that this out-of-body experience enables the Empty Man to infiltrate the victim more easily. The horrifying ritual is just one example of the cult's extremism in worshipping this sinister supernatural entity.

Confronting the Empty Man

In the intense final act, the Empty Man suddenly manifests out of James' body to confront him. James realizes that he had already been infected by the Empty Man without knowing - and it had slowly been taking control of him throughout the film. He must fight back mentally to stop himself from essentially being consumed by this malignant spirit.

The graphic body horror scenes and profound sense of existential dread in this climax truly capture the terror of losing one's free will and identity. James ultimately triumphs, but it is left ambiguous whether the Empty Man still lingers - if it will one day return to haunt him again.

The Lasting Impact of "The Empty Man"

While "The Empty Man" divided critics upon release, it has gone on to attract a cult following himself. Fans are drawn to the moody, unsettling atmosphere seeded throughout the movie, the freakish lore explored, and the social commentary on groups that exploit people's fear and loneliness.

The Empty Man himself remains an ominous figure - his motives unclear, his powers inexplicable. This sense of mystery and the horror of losing control over one's self makes him a compelling antagonist. The ending leaves the door open for more of his dark story to be told should the movie spawn any sequels or expanded universe content.

Over two years later, "The Empty Man" continues to haunt those viewers brave enough to uncover its shadows. It stands as a testament to thoughtful, character-driven horror with spiritual and philosophical depths to match its scares. Let the legend spread as more discover this underrated entry into the expanding folklore surround the Empty Man.

FAQs

What is the legend of the Empty Man?

The Empty Man is an old folklore about a sinister supernatural entity that can manifest physically by erasing a human host's soul and taking over their body. A secretive cult worships the Empty Man and seeks out vulnerable targets to transform into the Empty Man's avatars to do its bidding.

How does the Empty Man spread?

The Empty Man spreads like a virus, infecting new hosts by infiltrating their minds. Victims may experience visions, blackouts, and a profound sense of losing control as the Empty Man takes over their body and identity.

What happens in the ending of The Empty Man movie?

In the climax, the Empty Man manifests out of the main character James' body to confront him. James realizes he had already been infected without knowing. He manages to triumph mentally and prevent the Empty Man from fully consuming him.

Why has The Empty Man attracted a cult following?

Fans are drawn to the moody atmosphere, freakish lore, and commentary on groups that exploit fear and loneliness. The mysterious motives of the Empty Man and the horror of losing one's self makes him a compelling antagonist.

Is the Empty Man gone for good at the end?

The ending leaves it ambiguous whether the Empty Man still lingers within James. Its threat may return to haunt him again, keeping the door open for potential sequels to further explore this dark supernatural legend.