Erik Spalding

I don’t often write reviews. It doesn’t surprise me that this film has done really well in some review forums and poorly in others. It’s a slow burn for the majority of the film for sure, with little dialogue and a somber, downtrodden tone. That tone builds steadily and eventually explodes with an intensely powerful, borderline overwhelming, last 15-20 mins and it is so worth it. It’s what a good paranormal sub-genre horror film should be: slowly building suspense without giving too much away, for an ending that will leave your jaw on the floor. Even the slower parts kept me grinding my teeth in anticipation and anxiety. It’s dark, unsettling, and downright disturbing in parts, all the while conveying heartbreak and despair. It’s also got some beautiful shots of scenery with some fog and gloom for an added disparaging feel, as well as some occasional B/W shots on a 35mm camera angle to give you some different perspectives (reference the entire Lighthouse movie with Pattinson and Dafoe if I’m doing a terrible job at explaining this.) This is one of the best horror films I’ve ever seen, and believe me, I’ve seen a lot. If you’re a casual movie watcher or into basic, generic horror then this film might not be for you. If you’re into supernatural stuff and enjoy using your imagination, this film is truly terrifying and you should definitely watch it. I literally had trouble sleeping/turning lights off/on after watching and am about to watch it again before my shudder subscription runs out!

Let me preface this by saying I was fully anticipating watching an actual horror film. This is not that. It’s a weak attempt at crisis environmentalism through film and metaphor - generally being grossly overstated throughout most of its runtime. Nevertheless, it somehow still struggles to convey this while simultaneously being over-the-top in its message. It points to one thing in particular - the mining/exploration industry - and takes up its issue therein. I currently live, grew up in, and work in a mining community. Please believe me when I say these companies cannot make a move if even the faintest hint of an eagles nest is spotted anywhere near an active mine/drill site. Not to mention it’s how everyone here makes their livelihood and most of the electronics we have today (including whatever device you are viewing this on) would not exist if it weren’t for mining. The producers clearly have no grasp of knowledge regarding this concept, though. The only decent thing about this film was the acting and the camera work. Not worth watching imo. The film never even makes the slightest attempt to expand on the entity terrorizing the family in this movie in any meaningful way. Not a smidgen of lore or story is provided to give the viewer some idea of what they are up against. A tired subject that, although important, has been run into the ground, and would be better construed using a different subject matter, like pollution. And I’ll end this by simply stating it was not scary. Just some ignorant rich hypocrites trying in vain to win the appeal of the critics through virtue signaling.