Melvin Goh

"The Empty Man" (2020) is a horror-thriller that delves into a chilling and complex narrative, blending supernatural elements with psychological intrigue. The story begins with an eerie prologue set in 1995, where a group of hikers in Bhutan encounters a mysterious skeletal figure in a cave. This event sets off a chain of sinister occurrences, leading to the disappearance of one of the hikers. Fast forward to present-day Missouri, where former cop James Lasombra is struggling with the recent loss of his wife and son. He becomes involved in the case of a missing teenage girl, Amanda, who is connected to a local urban legend about "The Empty Man." According to the legend, if you find an empty bottle on a bridge and blow into it while thinking of "The Empty Man," he will come for you. James's investigation uncovers a secret cult, the Pontifex Institute, which believes in the power of The Empty Man as a bridge between consciousness and the void. As he delves deeper, he discovers disturbing truths about the cult's practices and their attempts to summon The Empty Man. The lines between reality and hallucination blur as James experiences increasingly bizarre and terrifying phenomena. The film's narrative is non-linear and layered, weaving together themes of grief, belief, and the unknown. It challenges the audience with its complexity, requiring close attention to detail. The atmospheric direction by David Prior, combined with haunting visuals and a tense score, creates a sense of unease and dread that lingers throughout. In essence, "The Empty Man" is a slow-burn horror that explores the human psyche's susceptibility to fear and the power of belief. It’s a thought-provoking film that stays with you long after the credits roll, offering more than just typical jump scares. Rating: 3.5/5 "The Empty Man" excels in its ambition and atmospheric tension but may leave some viewers puzzled with its intricate plot and open-ended questions. For those who appreciate a deep dive into psychological horror and enjoy piecing together complex narratives, it's a compelling watch.