I think too many people take this movie too seriously. I don’t think it was intended to be the mind-numbing horror flicks that we have gotten accustomed to. It was never meant to be a horror classic (like some of the other works produced by this director). I think it was aiming to be something new.
And it really was. Plus the movie obviously didn’t take itself seriously. Everything, everything is over the top. The acting feels right out of a soap opera. The writing feels like it came from a 60s sitcom. The themes are rushed and the storyline feels a little too off the cuff. But I think that’s kinda what the director was going for. The premise and “big twist” of the movie feels like a stretch. Or at least feels like it’s too far out of left field. And let’s give credit to the producer/director James Wan (who worked on classic horror films like The Conjuring). He knows what he’s doing. He knows this was new and risky and probably made it as a passion project.
I only wish he took it more seriously.
If you’re looking for gore and a horror movie that shouldn’t really be taken seriously-pick this up and watch it today. It’s a good movie, with enough frightening moments to make your blood curdle. If you want a serious film, check out some of the other movies Wan has worked on.