Really wanted to love this film, but I only like it a lot.
The premise is that a boy is a bit of a loner and starts hearing sounds and voices through his bedroom wall which he soon befriends. It gives him intentionally bad advice, and sends him down a rabbit hole where he realizes his family dynamic isn’t what he thought it was and he puts his faith in the wrong person.
Where this film excels is in the lighting effects, the creature effects, and Lizzy Caplan’s acting skills. The sight of the monster is minimal until the end but so effective that you want more of it. In one scene in particular, the lighting casts shadows of the parents in an argument onto their son who cowers on the stairs. Perfect way to show how small a child can feel in the midst of dealing with adult emotions. Same lighting effect is used later on the monster, and it’s perfection.
Where this film falls short is what this kid goes through at school. The bullying could have gotten more attention, as well as the dynamic between the kid and his teacher who obviously cares deeply about his situation. She shows up at the end, but disappears for a big chunk of the movie. And someone give Lizzy Caplan a better horror movie already. We need more Lizzy in horror.
This film gave me The Black Phone vibes without ever reaching the heights of said Ethan Hawke film. Like I said, it almost gets there. It’s certainly a watchable Halloween time film, but not the best that there is our there.
3.5 out of 5 stars for this little film that tries hard.
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Becky Tyler Art and Photography 
Really wanted to love this film, but I only like it a lot.
The premise is that a boy is a bit of a loner and starts hearing sounds and voices through his bedroom wall which he soon befriends. It gives him intentionally bad advice, and sends him down a rabbit hole where he realizes his family dynamic isn’t what he thought it was and he puts his faith in the wrong person.
Where this film excels is in the lighting effects, the creature effects, and Lizzy Caplan’s acting skills. The sight of the monster is minimal until the end but so effective that you want more of it. In one scene in particular, the lighting casts shadows of the parents in an argument onto their son who cowers on the stairs. Perfect way to show how small a child can feel in the midst of dealing with adult emotions. Same lighting effect is used later on the monster, and it’s perfection.
Where this film falls short is what this kid goes through at school. The bullying could have gotten more attention, as well as the dynamic between the kid and his teacher who obviously cares deeply about his situation. She shows up at the end, but disappears for a big chunk of the movie. And someone give Lizzy Caplan a better horror movie already. We need more Lizzy in horror.
This film gave me The Black Phone vibes without ever reaching the heights of said Ethan Hawke film. Like I said, it almost gets there. It’s certainly a watchable Halloween time film, but not the best that there is our there.
3.5 out of 5 stars for this little film that tries hard.
Discover more from Becky Tyler Art and Photography
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
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