The Harbinger

I don't vote for movies but I'm seeing an injustice here. I'm one of those few people who is a diehard horror fan and also enjoy mainstream or what I call lightweight or creepy PG-13 horror. But I think people usually fall into one camp or the other.

The distributor has put out a trailer that seems to be selling this to diehard horror fans. I think this is a mistake. There is a Mystique element to this movie, or Magical/Fantasy element, that doesn't fit the diehard horror or possession horror genre. This is not a possession movie (can't give spoilers). There is no graphic violence or gore, no F-bombs, not even "hide your eyes" jump scares (maybe one or two).

It is a character and plot driven supernatural mystery where you are invested in the main character's secrets, and the fact that he is being forced to do something he doesn't want to do in order to save his daughter from eternal damnation.

But if you know going in that it's PG-13, not diehard horror, is a character driven story (father fighting for his daughter), a plot driven story (lots of mythology and twists), some creepy vibes (and there's even some humor with the townspeople but can't give spoilers), good acting, and heart, then it's a good little movie.

I don't know what to say about this. Horror is not the first thing that comes to mind when I think back on it but there is some horror. It depends on what kind of horror you're into. There are a couple crazy moments. This movie isn't trying to be only that. When I say it goes deeper, what I mean is bring a notepad and an extra pen.

I'm giving this a 7 instead of a 6 for a lot of reasons, but top three:

1. Original story. Can't understate. VERY original.

2. I like the bits of humor, the eccentric townspeople and LOVE the guy who plays the devil.

3. Emotional. I found myself invested in the outcome.

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.

Just too low budget for my taste. I don't watch low budget indies and I gave this a try. It's better than any low budget indie I've seen but it still can't stand up next to a major Hollywood studio movie. That said, as the movie played, I thought less about budget and got more invested in the story.

And don't get me wrong, we've all seen that movie where someone grabbed a cell phone and shot it in the backyard. I'm not accusing this movie of that at all. But I've seen comments say something's missing, and that something for me is money. It looks and sounds fine. For me it's the difference between a Corolla and a Lexus. They both get the job done, but you know luxury when you experience it. I have to say the second half of the movie looks better than the first. Maybe that's where they put their money idk.

If I had to give any other criticism I would say the acting is good but they could have explained earlier why they were acting so weird. With the smaller parts, I like the style of acting but you don't find out why until later.

The parents act secretive and odd from the beginning and we don't find out why until about half way through. I can tell they're both good actors and their acting gets better as the movie goes on. I wonder if just finding out in the beginning why the parents are the way they are would have made it better? It's hard to say because it's supposed to be a mystery and I get it - They can't give things away. That said, kept my interest.

Don't think I've seen a movie quite like this. I read all the reviews (mostly positive but also said the movie was too long, not total horror, complicated plot, etc). I see all the negative scores here, so I decided to see which way I'd go. Wow. Not sure what to think here. But the tie-breaker is how I feel and the more and more I THINK about it, the more I think the movie succeeded. I'll give this dude credit. It's different. And you definitely need to be on your toes to follow. Good atmosphere throughout. I cared about the father and his relationship with the daughter. And the lore - that's the part that I think is so different. They put a LOT of thought and planning into this. I think I'm buying in. Will def watch again.