Diary of a Madman

The most terrifying motion picture ever!

1963 • 96 min • Horror

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Synopsis

Simon Cordier, a French magistrate and amateur sculptor comes into contact with a malevolent entity. The invisible - yet corporeal - being, called a "horla" is capable of limited psychokinesis and complete mind control.

Our family guide

Best from age 10

Movie Knight Score

69 reviews

61 Audience · 69 · 100%

A French magistrate and sculptor encounters a malevolent, invisible entity known as a "horla." This being can exert mind control and limited psychokinesis, driving the man towards madness and dark deeds. The film explores themes of internal struggle and external malevolence.

Violence & peril: 4/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 1/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 5/10

Heads up

Supernatural mind control
Creepy invisible entity
Psychological distress

What it models well

Dealing with unseen forces
The struggle for sanity

Talk about it after

Understanding psychological horror
The nature of good vs. evil
The dangers of obsession

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Diary of a Madman. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.