So this was a surprisingly good horror/thriller. The movie was directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala who have made a few horror movies beforehand and looks like they are sticking to their preferred genre. I know that Goodnight Mommy is considered a horror masterpiece, but I could barely survive the trailer for that movie. Too unnerving. This movie is also unnerving. Although I have to say that it reminded of hereditary many times while watching it. I think it must be because of the dollhouse and the focuses on dolls. In the end though, this movie is completely different.
In this movie Richard Hall (played by Richard Armitage) is about remarry. This fiancée Grace Marshall (played by Riley Keough) is the only survivor of a mass cult suicide. Grace suggests that she will spend Christmas with the children at the family lodge, to try and bond with them, as their father will be too busy working to spend time with them. The children, Aidan (played by Jaeden Martell who played in It and Knives Out) and Mia (played by Lia McHugh, who you will soon see in Marvel's Eternals) are not happy about the idea and they dislike Grace. They blame her for what happened to their mother, Laura (played by Alicia Silverstone who still looks great). All in all, the terrible family dynamic that you would expect in a horror movie.
Despite signs that not everything is ok, Richard leaves Grace alone with the children. The relationship between the three does not improve over time. I should say the relationship between the kids and Grace does not improve. The siblings have a very good relationship. You hardly see such good relationships between siblings depicted in cinema, but Aidan loves his sister and is super protective of her. The longer they are in the house, the stranger things seem to become. This doesn't bring the three of them closer together.
The filming reminded me a bit of paranormal activity, when the camera moves all the time between the same places in the house at night. This movie builds tension, it is a very slow burner, slow paced movie. But it is worth it. What a third act, what an ending. I was shocked.
If you're looking for an excellent thriller, you should add this movie to your watching list.
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