This is one of the most sophisticatedly written, powerfully
acted, and genuinely creepy and thrilling films of the last decade that by credits roll, indeed begs the
question...which monster is the most terrifying? Goodman offers the performance of his career
as Norman, who can be both eerily endearing and downright deranged nearly and
flawlessly within seconds of each other.
Winstead is equally remarkable as the involuntary
heroine who demonstrates an authentic blend of bravery, resourcefulness, and
abject fear. The appropriately small
cast is rounded out by Gallagher, who provides a discomforting levity to such a
bizarrely claustrophobic and unsettling situation. In an age of blockbuster messes, this is
what indie films, in fact, silver screen offerings overall, should aspire to
be; amazing effects that don't oversell themselves and a brilliant script that
achieves several rarities. First;
creating actual and unpredictable suspense with twists and turns that, when
they impact, do so, like a freight truck with its brake line cut. Second; utter audience engagement and
investment into a story and characters in which it and their unknown fates
remain intact until the precise moment they are effortlessly and perfectly executed. Finally, and most importantly; it delivers
deeply disturbing inferences that are far
more horrifying than what is actually visually revealed; an extremely
impressive feat in this CGI-laden dumbed
down era of assembly line cinema. In a world of social media diarrhea, Abrams
has become a master of covert movie tactics and this latest endeavor is a prime
example of his effectiveness. In
addition to all the successes listed, he completes his achievement by leaving
open two definitive possibilities. That
this event occurs simultaneously with this first film without becoming either a
prequel or sequel as he originally touted many moons ago. And, leaving ambiguous room for another
installment, which like this, can take this blossoming franchise in any
direction JJ's miraculously creative heart desires. 5 out of 5 Kernels; fear has been given a new
address and once you visit, you won't be the same.
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