An absolute cult classic thriller movie is on TV tonight

The incredible film is also currently streaming at home.

Set mostly in modern-day Missouri, the movie follows a grieving retired cop named James Lasombra (James Badge Dale, Spectral) who is asked by his friend, Nora (Marin Ireland, Dope Thief), to investigate the disappearance of her daughter, Amanda (Sasha Frolova, Red Sparrow).

Amanda seemingly packed up in the middle of the night, leaving the ominous message on the bathroom mirror: “The Empty Man made me do it.”

"As he investigates this mysterious figure further, James begins to see and hear strange things, and is forced to come to terms with his past and what it means for his future," the plot synopsis adds.

Loosely based on the comic book series of the same name, don't let The Empty Man's generic title stop you from seeking out the ambitious, nerve-rattling horror thriller.

As James investigates Amanda's disappearance, he uncovers a strange conspiracy involving the titular local legend, a group of missing teenagers who possibly summoned it, and a shady organisation called The Pontifex Institute hiding its sinister motivations in plain sight.

The film also begins with an absolutely terrifying opening 22-minute sequence set in 1995 Bhutan, which only connects to the plotline involving the ex-cop towards the end of the 137-minute-long flick.

Watch the trailer for The Empty Man right here:

The Empty Man was written and directed by David Prior (the upcoming Boy in the Iron Box) in his feature debut, with his script exploring several weighty themes, including existentialism, identity and nihilism.

It's worth noting, too, that Prior got his start directing documentaries about David Fincher's films. As such, he imbues his debut with the same dark style that Fincher brought to the likes of Gone Girl, Mindhunter and Zodiac.

Though it received middling reviews upon release, The Empty Man quickly earned reappraisal and is now seen by many critics as a modern cult classic.

The movie is airing on TV tonight/tomorrow morning on Film4 at 12.45am. It's also available to stream on Disney+.

For JOE's list of the other films airing on TV tonight, click here.