This is a very unique film and is definitely not for everyone. The pacing and lack of a gripping narrative will put off most audiences. For me, this was easily one of the most frightening movies I have ever seen in my life.
As a child (and sometimes even as as adult), the fear of darkness and loneliness can be crippling. This fear is very human and innate in most of us. The feeling you get when peering into the wood line at night, or staring down a long, dark hall. Irrational fears when you think about it, but still fear nonetheless. In this movie, your fears are justified. There is something staring back at you, and yes, it does want to hurt you. You cannot hide, and you cannot escape.
The film manages to do so much with so little, but I do wish there was a bit more subject matter. I understand what the director's intent was...but it got a little dry at times. With that said, I can't remember the last time a movie made me feel genuine fear and anxiety. I actually shielded my eyes at times, and that takes a lot!
This one hit different.
This movie captures that feeling of being alone in your bedroom in the dead of night as a kid, the soft glow of your nightlight casting shadows that morph and dance into random forms as you desperately try to focus your eyes in the darkness. It’s a very specific, anxiety inducing feeling for me, and this is the best I’ve seen it captured. That being said, the threadbare plot, stoic camerawork, arthouse delivery and obvious budget shortcomings will make this movie impenetrable for some (dare I say most?) but those willing turn off the lights, turn up their headphones and zone into this one will be treated with a lovely indie horror that I’m sure will become a cult classic in the usual circles.
A more obscure personal reference: This feels like those modern horror indie games that are made to look like PS1 games, but for movies. If that makes sense to anyone but me.
Absolutely oozing with atmosphere, like the heavy humid weather of Louisiana 1955, where everyone seems to die of some horrific death in connection with this mysterious case.
Although incredibly predictable, this story will keep you in its grasps until the very end.
