Les Mauvais Esprits

Maybe I don't expect to see a Citizen Cane level movie when I am watching a Netflix horror film. Some of the reviews make it seem like they watched a different movie. It is a decent horror movie. It won't blow you away, but the story is original enough and acting good enough that it is an enjoyable movie to watch. It's on Netflix give it a shot.

It wasn't terrible. I think the best way to sum it up is "good idea, poor execution". The film had a good cast and the acting was pretty good and I think the plot twist was a great idea. It was just lacking in shock factor. The ending felt rushed as well, and the beginning of the film dragged on so there wasn't enough time left to really focus on the climax. The pacing was off. I remember as soon as the film was done I said "wait, so that's it?". Overall, it's not a bad movie, and I don't regret watching it. Would I recommend it? No, I probably wouldn't. Keep in mind this is simply my opinion. I know some really liked this movie.

Starts out good enough. Your average horror film. Decent actors, Ok plot. a little bit of Occulus mixed with Grave encounters and other films.

And then, the ending. Wtf. I can't find any words for it. It is truly horrible. How did they not come up with anything better?

Minor spoilers ahead:

1. They show way (waay) to much. Not a scary ending. 2. Elliot can apparently survive anything.

Malevolent, which just premiered on Netflix, is about a phony ghost-hunting crew in the '80s who encounter a real haunted house. I'm seeing a lot of negative reviews for this. Thought it wasn't half bad myself. Sure, it doesn't really do anything new and the story and direction is average, emphasis on AVERAGE. This is a competent film, and I was entertained enough for the running time. The cast is game and sells this. Also, there are a couple of interesting song choices that did catch me by surprise and added to the creepiness.

Florence Pugh always delivers. You any fault her as an actress, she's just so natural and she's does a great American accent.

The same cannot be said for Ben Lloyd Hughes. His American accent comes & goes (not helped by the somewhat clunky script he has) & he really just isn't leading man material. Albeit very much a support to Florence anyways but he's just not very good. I realise his character is meant to be somewhat unlikeable but he has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Maybe he's a better actor than I am giving him credit for on that basis alone.

I know from the music and the Walkman / phone / phishing machine etc that this is set in the 80's but it doesn't have an 80's feel to it...it's like they are just using retro items...can't quite explain it...doesn't have the feel.of.a different era.

But I am giving it 8 stars cos I can't fault Florence!