As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours delving into the intricacies of horror genre, I must admit that ‘Succubus’ left me both intrigued and slightly bewildered. On one hand, it’s a refreshing take on the dating app-gone-wrong trope, blending humor and horror in a way that feels surprisingly fresh. Brendan Bradley delivers a breakout performance, while the supporting cast, including Ron Perlman, adds depth to this surreal dark comedy.
Dr. Orion Zephyr (Ron Perlman) expresses concern about people’s reactions to him in the beginning of Succubus. He pleads, ‘Please publish my research. All of it. You must do this for me. I care for you. I apologize.’ Later, he retrieves an ax from his station wagon and walks towards a farmhouse in a field. So, we’re intrigued. What is the nature of the research? Why does he need an ax? And what seems to be the ominous occurrence within that house?
The movie directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna (Hard Miles, Miss Virginia) doesn’t fully address all the questions it raises as its engaging and innovative horror-thriller plot unfolds. At first, we see Chris, a recently separated young father, receiving dating advice from his boisterous buddy Eddie through FaceTime. This is quite a change from the movie’s initial scenes, especially since these parts are brimming with humor, naughtiness, and elements of screenlife. It shares similarities with movies like Missing, Searching, and The Den in terms of its blend of technology and suspense.
In a standout display of acting talent, Brendan Bradley portrays a distressed new father whose fragile family life unravels further when he encounters an enigmatic malevolent entity that proves too powerful to resist. Joining Perlman in this horror film, Rachel Cook, Olivia Applegate, Emily Kincaid, and Rosanna Arquette are part of a cast. This chilling movie manages to carve its unique niche amidst a multitude of modern horror-thrillers that tend to overreach. Unlike many of its contemporaries, Succubus didn’t strive for attention; it simply was exceptional and took time to reveal its intricate narrative.
A Dating App Gone Wrong
As a cinephile delving into the cinematic landscape of Some Succubus 411, let me share my insights. This movie revolves around a creature known as a succubus, a demoness or night entity in female form, originating from medieval folklore. In essence, she’s a supernatural seductress, preying on men during dreams through sexual allure. It’s an intriguing premise, isn’t it? After all, who wouldn’t expect a bit of affection from the otherworldly?
Chris is a dedicated family man. His “wife,” Sharon (Applegate), is having a girls’ night, giving Chris and Eddie to chat away while Chris’s infant child sleeps. Inevitably, Chris creates a new dating profile on StarCrossed and soon meets Adra (Cook). She’s ‘dressed’ for the part, and super flirty. Chris can’t pull himself away from his chats with Adra, but inevitably discovers she has a mysterious past. Soon enough, she appears to be in distress. But Chris can’t leave the baby alone. Maybe Eddie can babysit?
If you can endure the initial 45 minutes of the movie, the director rewards you with a satisfying conclusion. It might not be mind-blowing, but the clever way the second half of the film unfolds makes it a horror movie that enthusiasts will enjoy at its climax.
Nicely Blends Humor and Horror
This film, much like a popular dating app, seems to be all about capturing your interest and loyalty. However, it often leaves you yearning for more, drawing you further into its narrative and characters’ lives. Luckily, the movie Succubus offers believable, if not complex, characters that resonate with us. The film’s strong writing twists typical horror tropes, giving it a bizarre, dark comedic feel at times. Eddie’s character provides some welcome comic relief, amplifying the absurdity of the horror.
Luckily, we finally encounter the mysterious folklore being, which generates interest and sets the stage for a bizarre, digitally-infused adventure involving intimacy. The movie might benefit from a short introduction to give context, but that may be saved for a potential sequel. Although it doesn’t include typical shock moments, the enigmatic creature and its unique behavior within its own realm is captivating nonetheless.
Succubus Teases but Finally Leads Somewhere
Beyond the captivating plotline, there’s no denying that Ron Perlman adds an extra layer of appeal to this production. Known for his roles in Guillermo del Toro movies, “Hand of God” TV series, and numerous other projects, Perlman effectively dominates the screen in this film, even though his actions are guided by good intentions. It’s not a case where you can take your eyes off him for a second, but regrettably, he only appears on screen for less than 15 minutes throughout the entire movie – a slight letdown. However, it’s important to remember that the dinosaurs in “Jurassic Park” were also only on-screen for approximately 15 minutes; it’s not about the amount of time but rather the impact and quality of the performance.
Kudos to VFX Supervisor Lincoln Smith as well! The film doesn’t rely heavily on special effects, but when they do appear in the climactic third act, it’s clear that attention was paid to the visual style, particularly when certain characters are depicted in a dreamlike and foreboding underworld. The production design and cinematography hold their own against other high-budget horror movies, indicating a great deal of effort was put into this project.
The final turn of events isn’t incredibly shocking but rather a hint of additional developments to come, leaving ample opportunity for further exploration of the events depicted and character development that could enrich the intriguing premise.
From Shout! Studios, Succubus is now streaming on video-on-demand and digital platforms such as Google Play, YouTube, FandangoNow, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video via the provided link below: [Link]
Watch Succubus
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-05 18:35