Holy Hot Damn, Go See This Right Now!

Rating: 9/10 (18 July 2013)

This is a rarity of a film. This is a rarity of a horror film. It relies on scaring the audience through shear visceral images and moments, rather than relying on blood, gore, and dropping of the Fawk word to gain the attention of movie-goers. We have been so attached to films like the most recent Texas Chainsaw Massacre film as they are the only horror films we can have as of late, but this film... It combines elements of classic horror and supernatural films like the Exorcist and Poltergeist, and so many others, to not only give the audience genuine, non-cheap scares, but moments that leave you in chills. Sure, this may be speaking from opinion, but it's kind of a rarity to feel this way in a horror film as of recently. Evil Dead, great and fun film, but not once did I feel goosebumps from what I was seeing. True, completely separate entities in the genre, but hopefully you get my point. A horror film is supposed to leave the audience in both a state of not knowing what is going to happen next EVER, and not knowing what to do once you leave the theater. And this film provides. Easily. James Wan is an incredible horror film director, and this is easily his best. It has deeper levels of character development than the common audience member might be used to, it has such a great sense of (Warning: film-major word about to appear) mise-en-scene for when anything at all is happening, especially during chaotic, frightening moments. It also has one of the absolute best casts I've seen in a horror film yet, right down to every. Single. Child actor. Unusual to say, I agree, but without a doubt, stunned by how good they were. No one in the film is up there in stardom, but this film is easily an example of them being showcased very well.
And this film has an "R" rating, and in my book, it deserves it. Not for blood. Not for language. No sexual anything whatsoever. How is it not "G"? Well, this film does not let up on the disturbing imagery, and said imagery if far and far away from being subtle. Although, the subtly of some moments does work. Conflicting messages here, I agree, but understand what I am trying to get at: When this film isn't subtle, it works, and it is frightening. When this film IS subtle, it works, and tends to even be more frightening (I'm looking at you, armoire... you bastard...)
If you like being scared, or like even good films, please, please, oh Jesus-Tap-Dancing-Christ please, go see this movie. It is so absolutely perfect for a modern day horror film that will no doubt last for a long time to come.