Tried to create mystery with interconnected horror stories but ended up losing itself in overly disconnected narratives. It definitely lacked a more solid “guiding thread” to make it even minimally impactful.
Unfortunately, it just didn’t work.
Tried to create mystery with interconnected horror stories but ended up losing itself in overly disconnected narratives. It definitely lacked a more solid “guiding thread” to make it even minimally impactful.
Unfortunately, it just didn’t work.
I felt it rushed to deliver too much information in a short time, it should have explained why Mr. Boogie targeted the children, who he is, and the reason behind the family sequence.
I didn’t research whether “Bugul” is actually part of any real satanic cult that seeks something similar to what’s shown in the movie (connections with the scorpion, snake and the symbols seen in the attic and images) like Hereditary does with Paimon for example.
From what i’ve seen there’s a sequel, and I hope it doesn’t rush as much as this one.
However, the film was really good!!
Great and gradually increasing psychological tension (much more engaging than Gerald’s Game which has a somewhat similar style). Mike Flanagan’s direction (who also directed Gerald’s Game) managed to create that suffocating and unpredictable atmosphere.
Definitely a great psychological thriller.
I get the idea of psychological tension with disturbing moments, but as the movie progresses, doesn’t it drag on too much? i thought Carla Guginowas (Jessie) impeccable but it didn’t feel as dynamic, for instance, as Misery (1990), which also deals with confinement but managed to maintain great pacing.
Even though the claustrophobic atmosphere works well in films, some scenes felt overly stretched which lessened the emotional impact for me.
Rewatching the film, i realize how well A24 handles folk horror like Hereditary and Midsommar in building tension, the horror feels much more subtle (compared to the other two) and lets the discomfort grow without relying on excess, the simplicity and realism are its greatest strengths, in my view.
I only wish the family dynamics were explored a bit more before the chaos unfolds, still, it is a unique and unforgettable psychological horror.
Had potential with its intriguing premise, but it ultimately fails to deliver on its promise… The atmosphere is solid but the script is predictable and the scares lack impact, for me it feels like the film shied away from fully exploring the psychological depths of its characters and the dynamic between the protagonist and the voices on the phone.
The central idea has merit and with a bolder approach, i truly hope the 2025 sequel manages to surprise.
A movie with the same vibe as “Robert the Doll”, very trashy… Honestly, I find it incredibly dull!
Mary Sibley (Salem - Witch Among Us) and Fiona Goode (American Horror Story: Coven) would be terrified to meet this “supreme.”
The camera almost feels alive in this film during certain scenes (like sliding through the forest), every setting makes it seem like the character is about to swallow you whole creating this sense of urgency. For me, the performances are incredibly simple but Bruce Campbell (Ash) pulls you in with his sarcastic charm, and honestly i think he is a total heartthrob in all his movies. 😂 !!!!
What fascinates me the most, though, is the raw energy of the film…
It had everything to be a perfect movie they could have explored more of this idea of submersion in the sea with creatures that might have existed in the ocean depths.
Well… i loved the exploration concept, but the movie itself felt like I was watching Alien Romulus with all the walking around inside that submarine.
It had everything that sounded incredible about it punk bands and “neo nazis” in an isolated location… however, in practice, it was like watching paint peel off the wall.
As if Aaron in the first film wasn’t enough, they replaced him with Sarah, who somehow managed to be even more… dumb… unbelievable!, it’s crazy to see just how far Josef goes to satisfy his fantasies, and just how far Sarah was willing to go.
I found the first film to have more scares and tension, while the second turned into something more psychologically disturbing.
Personally, the first was much more engaging, but the second… without a doubt, it’s a lot of stupidity for just one actor (Sarah).