A superhero horror film, described by fans as a 'hidden gem', is set to air on Film 4 tonight (Wednesday).

Darkman, starring Liam Neeson as scientist Peyton Westlake, delves into the world of synthetic human skin creation for burn victims. After a brutal attack leaves him presumed dead, he embarks on a mission of vengeance.

The film is directed and co-written by Sam Raimi, renowned for directing the original Spider-Man trilogy and the first three films in the Evil Dead franchise. Darkman pays tribute to the horror films of the 1930s.

Fans have dubbed the movie a 'hidden gem', asserting it's underrated and a must-see for lovers of both genres. Neeson's performance in his first lead role in an action film has also been highly commended.

After the ruthless villain Robert Durant (Larry Drake) savagely tortures Dr Westlake, he is left severely disfigured when his lab is obliterated by a deliberate explosion. An experimental treatment to alleviate his pain results in an unexpected side effect - superhuman strength, but also emotional instability and psychosis.

Continuing his work to develop the prototype skin, he now has personal motivations for success and sets out to exact revenge on those who assaulted him. His girlfriend Julie, portrayed by Frances McDormand, who believes he is dead, becomes unavoidably entwined in the lethal plot.

Released in 1990, the film was a hit with critics and unexpectedly successful at the box office. Made on a budget of £10.5 million, it raked in approximately £36.5million worldwide.

The film inspired two sequels without Neeson's involvement, as well as novels, comics and video games.

Despite nearly 35 years having passed, fans continue to sing praises for this relatively obscure action flick. On Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts an 80% approval rating, one fan who awarded it a full five-star rating simply wrote: "Underrated movie, honestly."

Another fan provided more detail, saying: "A mad movie, in the best possible way. It's disturbing but also exhilarating, funny but also moving at times, a very stand-out, unconventional dark tale. And the helicopter ride is one of the most spectacular scenes and stunts you'll ever see in a movie. You'll know what I'm talking about when you get there. Definitely worth watching, and you'll surely do that more than once."

Another agreed, exclaiming: "Darkman is a hidden gem! 5 stars!" They continued: "Raimi's offbeat superhero tale is a wild ride with quirky humour and stunning visuals. The special effects hold up surprisingly well, and the action sequences are a blast. (Though, seriously, why didn't he just take the elephant? ) Liam Neeson is fantastic as the disfigured scientist, and the supporting cast is equally strong. A must-see for fans of comic book movies with a twist."

Someone else praised the director: "Real Raimi fans will know and love this one," they stated. "I think it's an amazing early, early dark superhero genre entry. Some may be turned off by the director's antics/mannerisms but overall I think it really delivers on its premise. Liam Neeson is great in this!"

Darkman airs on Film 4 at 11pm tonight (Wednesday, November 19).