Rawhead Rex

Set against the quiet Irish countryside, Rawhead Rex follows a morning disrupted when a farmer inadvertently frees an ancient demon buried beneath a field. The towering creature rises and begins a relentless tour of villages, hedgerows, and ruined ground, spreading fear as it hunts for fresh prey. Howard Hallenbeck and his wife Minty become drawn into the nightmare when the monster targets their community, while Reverend Coot and other locals struggle to understand the horror and mount a response. The story fuses modern skepticism with primal folklore, as townsfolk debate faith, science, and superstition while a determined few try to halt the rampage before it reaches their doorsteps. It also tests how quickly a small community can unite under fear.

Directed by George Pavlou, Rawhead Rex adapts Barker's chilling short story for the screen. It blends practical creature effects with a stark mythic mood, presenting Barker's demon in a distinctly 1980s horror frame and giving the monster a menacing presence and a lingering sense of dread.

Box office figures for Rawhead Rex are not widely documented, reflecting its modest theatrical footprint. The film's commercial performance is not a prominent part of its legacy, with revenue rarely cited in standard reference sources or trade publications.

This film has a cult reputation among 1980s horror fans for its distinctive creature design and blunt brutality. It surfaces in conversations about Clive Barker adaptations and remains notable for its relentless demon menace that leaves a lasting impression on viewers who prefer straightforward horror over glossy effects.

Critics were mixed, noting the film's bold visuals and practical effects while critiquing pacing and character depth. Thematically it probes the clash between rural life and ancient myth, exploring faith fear and humanity's vulnerability in the face of a merciless force, and asking whether belief can halt raw power.