The Harbinger

Expectations play a large role in reaction to a film. This trailer makes this seem like a very fast-paced film. It's the opposite. The serious horror fans looking for fast-paced 'blood and guts' are now being replaced by people who just want to see a good movie. But even though the pacing starts slow, it is perfect, never once decreasing - every few minutes, it ramps the speed up a notch from slower to less slow, to medium, and so on, until finally intense and emotional at the very end. Rather than going after the low-hanging fruit of graphic gore and endless jump scares, this filmmaker has taken the more difficult road of substance storytelling and pulled it off. Off topic, it also has a unique style, some 'wink-wink' humor and theatricality that I appreciated.

I don't write reviews but disagree with the downvotes here. I'm getting from these comments the trailer misrepresents. I can see that. The actual movie has a lot of heart. And a crazy ass story. But I wasn't confused after they explained it. People just aren't patient. There is no mystery if you say it too early. Maybe it helps that I already heard it's hokey or corny or something but I really like the creepy feel of the movie too. I like the dad. I felt his emotions and the whole family. Everyone else is supposed to be over the top or weird or whatever but I always felt the family. And I love that you don't really know what's up with the family for the first part of the movie and it all comes together. For me cheesiness is ok if we like the people. I was rooting for them and that's why the cheesiness works for me. The family and the dad has a lot of heart. The girl is great too.

This movie has a paranormal-supernatural theme with satanic, Christian and Native American elements. The Harbinger is not an action and special effects driven roller coaster ride seeded with countless sequences of creative graphic violence. Instead this story moves forward at a gentler slower pace. There are elements of 1960's Rod Serling style of story development. Viewers impatient for intense visceral assault and dizzying effects are likely to be put off.

Watching the trailer only will probably cause viewers to conclude the movie is different than it is. The sizzle mission of trailers often results in something that is nothing like the movie. I believe this is the case with The Harbinger.

Is The Harbinger worthy of your time? I think so. What you'd get for your patience is a character and plot driven story where performers cannot hide behind special effects or anything else. In contrast they are given plenty of opportunity to soar or bore. For the most part the performances are strong and sometimes even memorable. Also casting for the supporting cast brought together some unique talents that genuinely contributed to the film.

Dude carries this movie. Reminds me kind of a cross between Nic Cage and Keanu. You don't know what he's up to the first half the movie. His pain over his daughter is gut-wrenching. Once we learn something (won't give spoilers) he becomes a badass and we're on board with him the rest of the way. A movie can have any kind of trinkets or mythos it wants if it has a lead character who can hold down the fort and get you there. He's got the goods. Looking forward to what he does next. He directed this, I think, so as far as him as a filmmaker I think with a lesser lead actor this movie would have felt a little long, but because he's compelling the movie felt right. I've now seen this twice after reading reviews. His performance is even better in the first half when you know what you know. Same with the other people.

Saw the trailer and almost didn't bother...how many more evil kid movies do we need? To say I am pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I refuse to do a spoiler post so I will just say this is not an "evil kid" movie. They go a completely different direction. So damn refreshing to see original material.

The movie makes you think. Keeps you on your toes. Got a little hokey at the end, but it's one of those things where you're either going to be on board or you're not. Not related to quality just a taste thing. I was pushing for the family to get it done so a little hokey is ok by me as long as acting is good, which it was. Overall entertaining.