Bunny🐰🪓’s review published on Letterboxd:
Yes, It's a Biased Review.
In the past year and a half, I haven't experienced as many moments of anxiety and stress putting me on edge, but I remember a time when they would hit me at least once a day, often triggered by my good old 'friend,' OCD. I'm not someone who easily shares feelings, emotions, or my past with others, even with those close to me. It's a fact that anxiety, especially when driven by OCD, can ease up if you talk about what's on your mind, but I don't do that often. For one, I don't have many close people in my life other than my girlfriend and a few relatives. Secondly, I've had trust issues my entire life. So, when I go through these phases, I prefer taking long walks or cycling. But during the monsoon, when outdoor activities are limited, I keep my nerves calm by constantly listening to lo-fi beats at home or while driving. It's one of the best things for me on YouTube. This movie gives me the same sense of relief and calmness when I'm burned out or on edge.
The location where this movie is shot is simply blissful, heartwarming, and comforting. The contrast between the serene scenery and the dark, sinister elements lurking beneath makes it all the more relatable. It reminds me of the people we see around us many appear happy, calm, and going about their day, but we can't see the battles they fight inside, the fears they carry, or the secrets hidden behind their smiles.
Yes, the movie has flaws or rather, things that could have been better. For instance, the story could have delved deeper into the mother's past as she starts losing her mind after noticing changes in her child's behavior, blurring the lines between her pretty face and the scars of an abusive past, giving the character a much needed emotional weight. The finale, too, could have been more intense, violent, and bloody.
Yet, I appreciate this movie for its simplicity. It delivers at a decent pace with some genuinely well-crafted scares, rather than trying to be overly clever with unnecessary twists like many psychological horror movies do these days and often fail at. Because to be honest I don’t want to go through mental gymnastics every time I watch a horror flick. Sometimes, it's perfectly fine for a movie to be mediocre, not "mediocre at best," but one of the finest mediocre films in recent times.
