It was a great weekend, one of those that I spend watching movies. I picked one after another at random, without having any knowledge of movies that I was about to watch.
Anyway, I won’t waste your time in introduction so let’s get to the plot already.
Pearl
Pearl is a story of a young married woman with the same name set in WW1 era. Pearl is living with her mother and her disabled father. She dreams of becoming a chorus girl, she likes dressing up and dance like the girls in the theatre, but her responsibilities kept her from perusing her passion. Very early in the movie we see her twisted side as well, slamming a shovel in a duck head and feeding it to her friendly alligator.
Moving along, we see how her passion takes over her mind and slowly turns her into a rebel. As the movie progresses, the rebel unravel into a psycho.
She was casual with her responsibilities, wore her gloom like a second skin with no words from her husband at war, but there was still a heart in her. Gone.
What happens next is a mystery not for you since I am not spoiling you but also for me.
I couldn’t finish Pearl. It got under my skin, and I left it halfway.
As of now, I still don’t know where it goes from here. I would like to complete this movie, but it has a bit relatable theme shown in a twisted manner that keeping me from continuing it. But as much as I experience this movie, I can see this could be a great sequel to American Psycho not that disaster they made. I like to keep it fresh till the time I finish it.
Paranormal Activity: Next of kin
Next of Kin isn’t the latest installment in the Paranormal Activity series—at least, I don’t think it is. I haven’t seen any of the PA films myself, ever. However, Next of Kin does share some thematic elements with Midsommar, and the cinematic storytelling of Area 51 or Blair Witch Project.
The story is about Margot, a young woman who, through an online DNA test, discovers a relative named Samuel. She and her filmmaking team travel to his Amish community, intending to reunite with them and document their way of life.
As they immerse themselves in the outward community, strange occurrences begin to unfold. Mysterious lights in the snowy woods at 2 AM, unsettling noises from the ceiling, and eerie jump scares that keep the tension high start to emerge.
The discovery of a locked church and the local’s reaction to it further deepens the mystery, leading to a series of twists that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Next of Kin is for you if you’re looking for a movie that takes its time to build the horror and delivers a satisfying payoff. Its ending is intense and worth the time spent waiting for it.
The Night House
The Night House is about a widow living in a secluded house by the lake. After mourning her husband’s suicide, she decides to delve into the mystery behind his death. From founding pictures of other women on his devices to exploring a mirror version of their home. She uncovers a reality that is not accessible for anyone else than her.
The film begins with Beth experiencing weird nightmares. The kind that just don’t stay in your head. Her body moves, her surrounding shift, but her mind is barely holding on. The Night House goes beyond the nightmares, it leans into the occult, the supernatural, and an unimaginable reality. The house itself holds the secrets far beyond her beliefs. The more she explores, the deeper she falls into it its mystery.
The Night House not just rely on psychological horror but in contrast displays the “power of friendship”. Beth finds mental grounding in her kind and empathetic coworker, and daily support from a supportive neighbor she could have in such a secluded area.
I recommend The Night House not just for its eerie plot but also for its impressive production quality. The transitions between scenes are mesmerizing and seamless. There are jump scares, but the movie doesn’t depend on them.
No one will save you
Home alone, with an adult and alien invasion.
Unlike Pearl, which has some strong themes that I’ve chosen not to discuss to avoid spoilers and because it got under my nerves, No One Will Save You is a bit comedic in its execution.
Unlike the friendly neighbors of The Night House, our protagonist here is shunned by her entire county. Even a simple wave from her is perceived as hostile. The movie has barely any dialogue. In fact, most of it carried by her heavy breathing and panting, and other expressions that are surprisingly done well. I recommend watching this movie with full audio for the best experience.
No One Will Save You is about an alien invasion. Our protagonist and her neighbors are attacked by aliens, and her only job is to survive. Unlike E.T. or Koi Mil Gaya (if you’re Indian), these aliens aren’t friendly at all. That said, they do look a bit comedic with their greyish archetype, tall, slender humanoids, large oval heads and black “anime” eyes.
The plot mostly revolves around her trying to survive one long, terrifying night after the alien invasion. It’s a tense experience, carried more by suspense and atmosphere than story.
Still, It’s not a great horror experience. But if you’re in the mood for something lighthearted, like I was, you’ll probably enjoy it.
Among all the movies I have mentioned, I will recommend you watch The Night House, as it is the one I enjoyed the most. Pearl is my second favorite even though I have not finished it yet. The story and the execution so far is grounded in reality.
Let me know if you would like to watch any from my recommendations. Or anything you would like to share.
