Disclaimer: This film review has been summarized with the assistance of an AI language model. Podcast version attached below.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Welcome to The Boogeyman Review, where we share our thoughts on the latest horror film. Today, we’ll be discussing our impressions of “The Boogeyman” after just coming out of a screening in Auckland, New Zealand. Let’s dive into the details!
First off, let’s talk about the overall experience. “The Boogeyman” falls somewhere in between good and bad—it lands in the realm of mediocrity. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of top-tier horror films like “The Conjuring,” “A Quiet Place,” or “Get Out,” but it also doesn’t plummet to the depths of outright disappointment. The film’s concept is intriguing, exploring the fear associated with the boogeyman, a childhood terror seldom seen in movies. It was interesting to witness the boogeyman terrorize not only young children but an entire family. Unfortunately, the execution of the concept falls short, feeling predictable and lacking innovation.
The story revolves around a family coping with the loss of their mother while being haunted by the boogeyman. It’s a familiar theme in the horror genre, and “The Boogeyman” doesn’t offer much in terms of originality. The narrative unfolds in a conventional manner, with the parents initially disbelieving their children’s claims until the climax when they finally come to believe them. This predictability diminishes the film’s impact and fails to surprise or engage the audience.
Moving on to the performances, the cast delivers average acting overall. The standout performances come from the two girls in the film. The young girl portraying fear and distraction in the face of the boogeyman’s presence captures the essence of a scared child. Meanwhile, the teenage girl effectively conveys the emotional turmoil of losing her mother and her determination to uncover the creature’s secrets. These performances, while not exceptional, contribute to the film’s better moments.
In terms of technical aspects, the cinematography is decent, following the standard horror film formula. The camera effectively builds tension, employing expected techniques such as door slams and jump scares. However, some creative camera shots stand out, particularly one where the little girl is in bed and the screen flips with her as she looks under the bed. These visually inventive moments add a touch of intrigue to an otherwise conventional presentation.
Regarding the score and sound design, they adhere closely to the typical supernatural horror film formula, not offering much that distinguishes them from other films in the genre. The exception is the boogeyman’s sound, which is somewhat unique but still feels somewhat generic.
Overall, “The Boogeyman” is a decent film if you’re in the mood for a run-of-the-mill horror flick. It manages to deliver some tense moments, even though it falls short of fully capitalizing on its potential. The film’s short runtime works in its favor, allowing for a quick and forgettable viewing experience. While it doesn’t break new ground, it can provide a few scares and thrills for horror enthusiasts.
Review by: James & Nayan
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