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Probably one of the better horror movies I have seen, and I am a real stickler for it. Realistically I would have given it 4 stars, but I gave it 5 for the sake of boosting its overall score, because I think a lot of the other commenters are being unfair to this film. My only 2 gripes are both spoilers, so I'll put a spoiler warning before I explain what those two gripes are. Before that, let me sing praise.
The cinematography for this movie is absolutely stellar, especially for a horror. Not only does the film know how to set up a frame, but the lighting is really good (except for the climactic scene, which should not have been so dark. I understand the decision, but it didn't fit with the films overall quality and tone). I usually get incredibly angry at horror movies for utilizing darkness TOO much, so much that you can't see the actors or the setting. This movie does a good job of that, you're not forced to squint to see what the hell is happening (again, except for the climactic scene, but it's the only instance where you feel confused as to what's going on.) it is otherwise beautifully shot and sets an unsettling tone right from the get-go. Immediately starting this film, us as viewers are looking right into discomfort simply in the very slight yellow tint to the frame, but also the clarity of the shot. Any good cinematographer knows that when creating a creepy tone, the two best ways to do this are to set the frame up perfectly, except just the slightest off balance. Too much off balance and it's noticeable, it's forced, but if you're just barely off, the viewer knows immediately that something is wrong, but they can't quite figure it out... This movie does a great job of that.
I don't have completely stellar praises to sing of the actors, but I have no gripes either. There could have been a bit more emotion from our protagonist, but I think it often worked in the films favor, especially since the better part of the film is challenging the viewer to wonder is she crazy or is there really something going on. Which leads me to the plot!
I'll admit, creepy kid, creepy old lady, slight cliche's, but I definitely felt that this film handled those small cliche's much better than other films I've seen. Chris isn't creepy most of the time, and when he is, you quickly realize that Sara is hallucinating frequently, and it's hard to tell what's real and what's in her head. It's brilliantly done and challenges the viewer to wonder what is really going on.
The story telling itself is SOLID. I think that telling the audience Sara's husband was abusive the way they did was really good. If you didn't catch the smaller details, they still made it clear, but they never once say it. It's a detail that also adds to the debate, is Sara crazy or is her son really a monster? She's a paranoid abuse victim, undoubtedly suffering from PTSD, and her son does one aggressive thing and she panics. Seeing her throw out the anxiety meds adds to that debate too, knowing that she's suffering and ignoring the help she's receiving.
I think that this concept is really simple, but it's good, and it's executed well. Perhaps my favorite part is that this horror movie does the BEST thing it can, and is advice I've heard only real horror geeks say : don't show your monster. Now, this doesn't mean literally don't show the monster, although films can be very effective that way, but what it means is that you don't try to logically explain the monster. When you explain it, the viewers suspension of disbelief is popped, ruined, broken. When the viewer knows what is happening, then the movie just becomes the viewer yelling at the screen for the characters to be smarter. They're not scared anymore. But with films like this, you're forced to endure the same events as Sara, wondering what the truth is, even at the end you recognize her paranoia has consumed her and will consume her for her entire life. It's a thrilling conclusion that leaves things up to the imagination, exactly like a good horror film does.
Now, spoiler warning, because my only gripes with the film are that, as aforementioned, the climactic fight between her and the fake son in the basement is very dark and has poor film quality to it. But it's not the only piece of the climax, which definitely makes up for it. The first fight isn't dimly lit at all, and it makes you wonder if Sara is hallucinating again. The underground scene is better lit than the basement fight, and is actually a far better climax to the movie, as it keeps with the tone of the film prior to the reveal. Seeing Sara's face quietly staring up at her is eerie, creepy, and perfect for what this film set up.
Spoiler warning again, My only other gripe with this movie, the only thing that really gets my goat, is that the old womans head is buried in the dirt when she is found dead. It just ruins the reveal if you're paying any attention. It's not a cardinal sin, it just messes up the mystique just a little. It was a good shot, and there's ways to explain it besides the monster killing her, as the old woman had been a bit nutty and she might have buried her own head, or you could pretend that anyways. It was just a small detail that messed up my experience.
But ultimately? This is a really good movie. It's well shot, it's well written, it's got good actors, and the ending is perfect. It's not freedom and safety, it's a life of paranoia, which is the best possible conclusion this film could have and ideally how my favorite horror movies end. A conclusive conclusion for a horror movie is boring, don't show me the monster getting back up or another shark or whatever it may be, but don't kill off everything and leave me happy and safe. Horror should leave you feeling satisfied but uneasy, and this film achieves that beautifully. I do really highly recommend it.
| Additional Blu-ray options | Edition | Discs | Price | New from | Used from |
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A great Irish horror film that keeps you in suspense throughout the entire film. On par with the current possession film "Prodigy" with Taylor Schilling and Jackson Scott (2019). I thought of the horror movie, "The New Daughter" with Kevin Costner (2009) while watching this film.I find that horror films either work or they don't. This one definitely works. The acting was top notch and child actor James Markey deserves top marks for a great performance in his role as Chris.I recommend it.
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Top reviews from other countries
Christoph Stöckl
The Hole in the Ground.
Reviewed in Germany 🇩🇪 on December 22, 2022Tabularasa
Leider langatmig und bietet kaum Überraschungen
Reviewed in Germany 🇩🇪 on September 19, 2019Amazon Customer
Well worth a watch
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 30, 2021
