Ok watching this film for me brought to light what makes a mystery horror great: it must have, 1) Understated items that may serve as clues 2) Characters who are not as they seem at first and 3) a story full of surrealism. ie; if it’s about kites, visit a kite factory and describe it. This is a low budget film and some might argue it can’t be great. I beg to differ. Some of my favorite films were low budget. Keep that in mind. Now, let me show you the first item that makes this film great. There may be minor spoilers.
The girl’s voice in the 911 call gives us a solid clue but we aren’t meant to get it the first time. It seems like this director was out to make a film that had to be watched numerous times to get a feel for the clues. They are there, see how many you can find. Hint, don’t look for clues the first time but rather the second when you know what’s coming.
The father character was the most chilling for me the first time. I have to say, I saw him differently the second time watching. When you know the end game, it makes the character’s motives much clearer. I liked that about this film. I watched the father character change from an evil monster to just some guy trying to right past wrongs. I liked how they used minimal makeup in the end when the shapeshifter takes the his form. We start to see the apparition has fooled us too. The father is not as he first seems and that’s the second reason this is a great horror. Now for my last grounds to throw in there in favor of this film: surrealism.
Surrealism is the presence of real sets or plots in a work of literature. This is the way the director goes out of his way to make you believe you are there in the midst of what is happening. I am reminded of Disneyland’s “Pirates of the Carribean” ride that starts out in a high ceilinged space where the fireflies etc. of the Carribean diners are there. It really sets the mood well. In a similar way, this film does a good job at making us believe we are in a dilapidated building. It’s just not scary really. The film still works but for scary abandoned home stuff, try “His House.” Surrealism of a playground isn’t scary. I would have liked to have seen more description in the building and apartment scenes.
So, despite my minor issue of the film not having 100% surrealism, the characters did change through the film and this caught me by surprise. It has all three of my required items to be a great mystery horror film. Some will call it overly minimal but from a minimalist like me, is that ever possible … to be too minimal? I’d have to say no but that’s another episode. Take care til next time.
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