The Empty Man is a 2020 supernatural horror film co-edited, written, and directed by David Prior in his feature directorial debut, based on Cullen Bunn and Vanesa R. Del Rey's graphic novel The Empty Man published by Boom! Studios. Starring James Badge Dale and Marin Ireland, it follows an ex-cop who, upon an investigation into a missing girl, discovers a secret cult.

Plot

In 1995 in the Ura Valley, Bhutan, four friends—Greg, Fiona, Ruthie, and Paul—go hiking on a mountain, crossing a footbridge along the way. Paul hears a strange whistling and falls into a crevice while wandering towards the sound. Greg finds him in an almost catatonic state, sitting in front of and staring at a massive, ancient humanoid skeleton with inhuman features embedded in the cave wall. Paul only speaks to tell Greg not to touch him, or else he will die. Greg carries him out and the group takes refuge at an empty house as a snowstorm hits. The next day, having touched Paul the previous day, Ruthie is chased by a tall creature wearing robes, which disappears as if it was a hallucination. That night, Paul, slowly possessed by the evil spirit, whispers something into Ruthie's ear. The following morning, the group finds Paul next to the bridge they crossed. Ruthie becomes dazed before stabbing Greg and slicing Fiona's throat and throwing their bodies over the cliff. She shares an entranced look with Paul before throwing herself off too. Paul stares on.