
"In the Earth," directed by Ben Wheatley and released in 2021, premiered amid the ongoing global pandemic, which gave its viral outbreak premise a unintentionally timely resonance. Initial critical reception was mixed; some praised its atmospheric tension, psychedelic horror elements, and inventive take on nature's mysteries, while others found its narrative fragmentary and the pacing uneven. Over time, however, "In the Earth" has garnered a more appreciative audience, particularly among fans of experimental and ecological horror. It is now often regarded as an underrated gem that explores fears about humanity's relationship with nature and scientific hubris in a unique and unsettling way, rather than a dated relic. Its blending of myth, science, and psychological terror has helped the film develop a modest cult following.