Baghead

This film left me feeling incredibly disappointed. While the first and last parts managed to capture my attention, the middle section was a tedious experience that left me reaching for my phone to alleviate my boredom. One of the main issues with the film is its lack of creativity and a compelling plot. While it attempts to tell a unique story, it ultimately falls flat, feeling simplistic and uninteresting. One aspect that the film did manage to get right was its visual effects and jumpscares. There were moments that genuinely frightened me, and the visual elements were well-executed. However, these scares alone couldn't compensate for the film's weak storyline. It felt as though the filmmakers relied too heavily on these elements without giving enough attention to crafting a solid and engaging narrative. On a positive note, the cast delivered commendable performances. Despite the film's shortcomings, the actors managed to bring their characters to life with fabulous acting. Their dedication and talent were evident throughout, and they did the best they could with the material they were given. It's unfortunate that their efforts weren't supported by a stronger script and a more captivating storyline. If you're looking for a movie to watch purely for entertainment purposes, I would suggest giving this film a chance and forming your own opinion. It's possible that others may find aspects of it more enjoyable than I did. However, if you're seeking a horror film that offers a worthwhile investment of your time and money, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

Well, the premise certainly is original, there's a seriously creepy atmosphere, the colossal ancient building and the cellar give an almost gothic feel, and Freya Allan and Jeremy Irvine both do a fine job. And the CGI of the bag-person (witch or demon or whatever) in her various horrifying appearances is very well done. But I had also some reservations. The sound-bursts to accompany the intended jump scares were almost deafening, I left the cinema with my ears popping. And at times the logic behind the use of the bag-headed lady eluded me, like the two-minute rule that constantly got violated without immediate consequences, or the strict rule never to enter the hole in the brick wall, but Iris did so unharmed. Or why couldn't she simply sell the house so that the curse would fall on a new owner, surely real estate investors would have jumped on the occasion!

Resuming: not bad at all, but with some flaws.

In London, Iris Lark (Freya Allan) is an unemployed young woman without any possession and evicted from her room. Her best friend, Katie (Ruby Barker), supports her and offers Iris to stay with her. Out of the blue, Iris receives a phone call informing that her estranged father, Owen Lark (Peter Mullan), has died and asking her to identify his body. Iris travels to Berlin, where her father lived, and the lawyer tells her that she has inherited a four-hundred-year-old bar and offers to sell the estate. However, Iris asks to stay for a period in the building and signs the deed. She calls Katie and her friend decides to travel to Berlin to meet her. During the night, a man, Neil (Jeremy Irvine) asks to see the creature that lives in the basement and offers 4,000 Euros to Iris. She tells him that she does not have the key but schedules his visit on the next night. Katie arrives and they go with Neil to the basement. They meet Baghead (Anne Müller), a witch that is capable to summon the dead and shapeshift her appearance for two minutes, provided the consultant brings some object that belonged to the deceased. She only obeys the owner of the bar, Iris presently. Neil brings a ring that belonged to his estranged mother before belonging to his wife Sarah (Svenja Jung) and his mother comes instead. He says that he committed a mistake and offers another 4,000 Euros to Iris to meet Baghead again. Iris finds a videotape from her father warning how dangerous Baghead is and to not use her powers, but the money tempts Iris, and she continues to see Baghead despite the warning received.

"Baghead" (2023) is a horror movie that deserves to be watched. The creepy story is original and the only problem, in my point of view, is the lack of charisma of Iris and Neil. Katie is the only character that the viewer may connect and feel sorry for her. Iris is warned by her father to the danger that she is exposed but is more interested in money. The viewer sees that she is poor but risking her life to raise money is not an intelligent procedure. The conclusion indicates a possible sequel, with Baghead outside the basement. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "A Bruxa dos Mortos: Baghead" ("The Witch of the Dead: Baghead")

Shame. I really wanted to enjoy it more.

Intriguing premise. A creature that can bring the dead for 2 minutes! And only 2 or it will take control (But doesn't that sound familiar? Talk to Me, anyone?)

Freya Allan (The Witcher) did her best as did the supporting cast, featuring the likes of Peter Mullan (Tyrannosaur) and Saffron Burrows (Deep Blue Sea).

Unfortunately the film lacked any real tension or suspense and despite its surprisingly short length, it felt like a real slog. Relieved by a few jump scares.

I just wish more time was spent on the origin of the creature and character depth to actually feel anything.

It just seemed to go through the motions with the same ol' predictable hokum and some bizarre 2000s visual effects from The Mummy films.

A shame. It killed the time but it won't be haunting my memories for long.

Giving this an 7/10 rating

Clever and grim, horror film is set in just one location, a very slim cast and this means getting to the point with no messing about. A college drop out has to take over a ancient pub from her father who has died, but the pub has a secret with it, and evil with it.

Like 'Night Swim', this is based on a short movie. Guess this a real trend now, which is fine, so long as they are good. It's very fast and simply done, with good production design that you have to pay close attention too.

The cast of Freya Allan, Ruby Barker, Jeremy Irvine and the great Peter Mullan and Saffron Burrows are tormented good, Anne Muller is excellent as the 'Baghead' in question. Humans are shown as real scumbags as they all are in this, and this is important for the narrative.

Never thought Peter Mulanwould do a horror film, but he is very good in this, plays with his role with the authority he needs, look forward to more from Freya Allan, she displays proper emotion, given the role she must work in, A simple enough horror film, it's fine film fun, but really scary all out.