It's worth seeing.
That said it is neither the scariest, most terrifying, or any of the other hyperbole that the young and easily impressed, posting here, would attribute to it.
The first half does have a couple of very effective moments, moments of style. Nothing overt, nothing splashy, but just an unnatural moment... of dread, that if you let it... will hold you.
People complain of pacing problems, of flaws, of the film feeling unfinished. They are right, the 2nd half is all of that, has all of those failings, but is captivating anyway. As the dread and horror of the 1st half dissipates, and you are left with something both less and more, an explanation that is... not horrific but... haunting. That makes you think. And those who think its about the internet, don't get it. It's no more about the internet, than Jaws was about a boat. It's about dying, and living, and what happens when both become... finite. What happens when death is not enough.
I'm being cryptic. Cryptic is good when going into this movie. Go in to this movie, like you should to any movie, expecting nothing (spoiler free)and you may find in it... something... that lingers long after you see it.
A concept, an idea, that is sharp, and brilliant, and not fully explored. And perhaps, that's as it should be. Perhaps the film would have folded if the battleground was anyplace but in the viewers mind.
It's a very sharp, and haunting idea, that this film licks upon. And yes the ending stumbles, but not badly enough for you to really care... your mind is still toying with... possibilities.
A good film, redeemed by a great concept. Superior to the directors woefully overrated CURE. Worth the viewing. 8/10.
That said it is neither the scariest, most terrifying, or any of the other hyperbole that the young and easily impressed, posting here, would attribute to it.
The first half does have a couple of very effective moments, moments of style. Nothing overt, nothing splashy, but just an unnatural moment... of dread, that if you let it... will hold you.
People complain of pacing problems, of flaws, of the film feeling unfinished. They are right, the 2nd half is all of that, has all of those failings, but is captivating anyway. As the dread and horror of the 1st half dissipates, and you are left with something both less and more, an explanation that is... not horrific but... haunting. That makes you think. And those who think its about the internet, don't get it. It's no more about the internet, than Jaws was about a boat. It's about dying, and living, and what happens when both become... finite. What happens when death is not enough.
I'm being cryptic. Cryptic is good when going into this movie. Go in to this movie, like you should to any movie, expecting nothing (spoiler free)and you may find in it... something... that lingers long after you see it.
A concept, an idea, that is sharp, and brilliant, and not fully explored. And perhaps, that's as it should be. Perhaps the film would have folded if the battleground was anyplace but in the viewers mind.
It's a very sharp, and haunting idea, that this film licks upon. And yes the ending stumbles, but not badly enough for you to really care... your mind is still toying with... possibilities.
A good film, redeemed by a great concept. Superior to the directors woefully overrated CURE. Worth the viewing. 8/10.