One reviewer pointed out that people often do dumb things in horror movies, a trope that supposedly comes with the genre. However, this expectation only stands if the writer or director lacks imagination. Classics like *Psycho* and *The Exorcist* didn't rely on such clichés; instead, their characters acted logically within the given premises.
This movie, on the other hand, seems devoid of any coherent premise. The blame falls squarely on the script, especially since the director also wrote it. One might even wonder if there was a script at all, as the film appears improvised. If the director believes this approach is avant-garde, they might need a refresher at film school.
The notion that characters in horror movies must act foolishly underscores the genre's decline. Character development's golden rule is motivation: actions should be driven by clear reasons and a bit of common sense, only to end up in the monster's clutches. Here, the monster's motivation is unclear-demon, cannibal, or something else entirely? And ultimately, why should the audience care?
As for the leads, their acting skills are hard to gauge, given the minimal demand placed on them. The male lead witnesses something horrific, becomes excessively traumatized, and is rendered almost speechless-though he seems barely communicative to begin with. This aligns with Roger Ebert's observation about movies where straightforward actions or dialogue could resolve the plot.
The constant camera focus on the protagonist's horror-stricken, panicky expressions quickly grows tiresome.
The overall decline in horror quality is evidenced by recent remakes like *Carnival of Souls* and *The Haunting*. Hopefully, true horror, marked by intelligence, wit, and minimal special effects, will make a comeback.
This movie, on the other hand, seems devoid of any coherent premise. The blame falls squarely on the script, especially since the director also wrote it. One might even wonder if there was a script at all, as the film appears improvised. If the director believes this approach is avant-garde, they might need a refresher at film school.
The notion that characters in horror movies must act foolishly underscores the genre's decline. Character development's golden rule is motivation: actions should be driven by clear reasons and a bit of common sense, only to end up in the monster's clutches. Here, the monster's motivation is unclear-demon, cannibal, or something else entirely? And ultimately, why should the audience care?
As for the leads, their acting skills are hard to gauge, given the minimal demand placed on them. The male lead witnesses something horrific, becomes excessively traumatized, and is rendered almost speechless-though he seems barely communicative to begin with. This aligns with Roger Ebert's observation about movies where straightforward actions or dialogue could resolve the plot.
The constant camera focus on the protagonist's horror-stricken, panicky expressions quickly grows tiresome.
The overall decline in horror quality is evidenced by recent remakes like *Carnival of Souls* and *The Haunting*. Hopefully, true horror, marked by intelligence, wit, and minimal special effects, will make a comeback.