Sam Neill at his best since 'In the mouth of madness'

Rating: Null/10 (4 April 2002)

Having read a few of the comments on this film, I feel obliged to post my own opinion.
It is my view that many of those who have claimed the film to be too bloody and gory did in fact not realize that it is primarily a horror film. Even though it possesses a sci-fi setting, this is but a mere catalyst to a genre which is finding it increasingly difficult to come up with original scripts. And on the mere basis of this, Event Horizon is ground-breaking.
The film succeeds beautifully in creating a tense, nerve wrecking atmosphere that runs from a rather run of the mill first few minutes reminiscent of the likes of Alien, to fully fledged horror and terror rarely seen since The Exorcist. The sheer genius of this film is the director's ability to cast some of the most repulsive and disturbing Hellish visions since Hellraiser and then hint at something even worse underlying in the return of the Event Horizon. Truly impressive. A film hasn't made me feel this since Clive Barker's masterpiece.
The cast was equally impressive. This is without a doubt Sam Neill's best performance since 'In the mouth of madness'. Every time I see this actor on screen, he just seems to get better. My hats off to him, he deserves a hand of applause if only for the 'eye gouge' scene.
Good special effects, a dense and terrifying script and intrigue, a competent and appealing cast, some superb editing... and let us not mention the excellent sound effects and soundtrack.
An excellent, spine-chilling film!