Like heavy metal, horror has many, many sub-genres, each with its devotees. File this one under dread.

Set among snow-choked valleys and dark forests of the kind where Krampus is sure to lurk, Hagazussa: A Heathen’s Curse is a tale of witchcraft that is designed – very much designed – to mess with your head.

Those of you who like to have your head messed with ought to love it, especially since there is a dearth of horror in this year’s London Film Festival. From its opening base note deep enough to test the Curzon’s speakers, this feature debut by Berlin Film School alumnus Lukas Feigelfeld does what all good horror must: never lets you relax. But there’s more than just genre at work here: the hypnotic soundtrack, iconic use of fire and constant sense of dread are very much at the arthouse end of the spectrum. They suggest a talent to watch.