Cthulhu (2007) is a horror-drama film directed by Dan Gildark, loosely based on the works of legendary writer H.P. Lovecraft, particularly his short story The Shadow Over Innsmouth. The film blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, drawing inspiration from Lovecraft’s mythos, particularly the cosmic horror of ancient, god-like beings.

The story follows Russell Marsh (Jason Cottle), a gay history professor who returns to his small coastal hometown in Oregon after the death of his mother. Upon his arrival, he is confronted by strange occurrences, a tense relationship with his estranged father, and an eerie, religious cult deeply rooted in the town’s mysterious past.

As Russell delves deeper into the town’s secrets, he uncovers a chilling connection between the cult and ancient, terrifying beings—most notably Cthulhu, a monstrous cosmic entity said to be lying dormant, waiting to rise again.

As Russell struggles with his personal identity and tries to reconcile with his past, he finds himself at the center of a terrifying conspiracy involving the impending resurrection of Cthulhu. His attempts to stop the ancient evil from awakening lead to disturbing revelations, blurring the line between reality and madness.

Cthulhu is notable for its atmospheric tension, eerie setting, and psychological depth. The film is a slow-burn horror that focuses more on building suspense and exploring existential fear rather than relying on traditional jump scares. While it deviates from Lovecraft’s original narrative, it remains faithful to the themes of cosmic dread, the insignificance of humanity, and the terror of the unknown that define Lovecraft’s work.