You probably know him as the dashing Matthew Crawley from Downton Abbey, but Dan Stevens took a wildly different turn in the 2018 horror film Apostle—and Netflix viewers are suddenly obsessed.
Set in the early 1900s, the movie recently made a comeback on the streaming platform, and fans can’t stop talking about its eerie atmosphere, gruesome scenes, and deeply unsettling mystery.
A Chilling Tale on a Remote Island
The Apostle follows Stevens’ character, Thomas Richardson, on a grim mission to save his sister from a mysterious cult holding her hostage on an isolated Welsh island.
It’s a slow-burn horror story filled with dark secrets, religious fanaticism, and more than a little blood.
The film was written and directed by Gareth Evans, the Welsh filmmaker behind The Raid series and co-creator of Gangs of London.
And though Apostle didn’t grab headlines upon release, it’s built a solid fan base over the years—especially now, with viewers rediscovering it on Netflix.
A Gruesome and Gripping Watch
Critics gave Apostle a respectable 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, and fans are now flooding review platforms with praise.
One viewer wrote, “It’s violent, imaginative, gothic—and so worth a rewatch to really appreciate its beauty and depth.”
Another said, “As a huge fan of quality horror, this one stands out.
It’s a slow burn of dread and anxiety. The mystery is perfectly used, and while there’s plenty of gore, it’s never pointless.”
Not for the Faint of Heart
The film certainly isn’t for squeamish viewers.
While some praised the cinematography and strong performances, others felt the violence and pacing were too intense—or even boring at times.
“Started out strong,” one unimpressed viewer said, “but then came 45 minutes of total boredom.
Watching paint dry would’ve been better.”
Still, others disagreed: “Definitely one of the best horror movies I’ve seen.
It has so much going on—great acting, creepy tension, and real artistic direction.”
Gareth Evans Explains His Unique Approach
Director Gareth Evans spoke about his philosophy behind the film’s tension-filled vibe. He wanted to avoid the typical horror jump scares, explaining to Collider:
“Usually in horror, the buildup leads to a quick jolt.
I didn’t want that. I wanted to sustain the dread—make sure the audience couldn’t shake that creeping feeling.”
That choice clearly paid off for fans who value depth over cheap thrills.
A Star-Studded Cast Beyond Stevens
Dan Stevens isn’t the only familiar face in Apostle.
The film features Michael Sheen as the unnerving cult leader Malcolm Howe, with Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) playing his daughter.
Rising star Kristine Froseth (The Buccaneers) and a strong supporting cast round out the eerie ensemble.
From Downton to Dread
This creepy role is a far cry from Stevens’ Downton Abbey days.
His character Matthew Crawley famously died in a shocking Christmas special in 2012, just three seasons into the show.
Stevens reportedly wanted to branch out into other roles—and he definitely has.
Since then, he’s appeared in Legion, the X-Men spin-off series, and as the Beast in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast remake.
Meanwhile, Downton Abbey Says Goodbye
While Stevens explores the darker side of cinema, his old Downton co-stars are returning one last time for the franchise’s final film.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale hits theaters on September 12, and is set in the 1930s.
The returning cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, and many more familiar faces—alongside newcomers like Paul Giamatti and Joely Richardson.
Stream It Now
If you’re in the mood for something dark, smart, and soaked in dread, Apostle is currently streaming on Netflix.
Whether you love gothic horror or just want to see Dan Stevens completely unrecognizable from his Crawley days, this one might be worth adding to your list.