I Was So Excited for Antlers But It Disappointed

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As a die-hard movie lover, when the initial teaser for “Antlers” was unveiled, I couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation for a unique horror experience. Regrettably, the final product fell flat for me. Set in Oregon, the story revolves around a teacher, portrayed by Keri Russell, and her sheriff brother, Jesse Plemons, who unwittingly stumble upon a student’s home that seems to be a nesting ground for an evil spirit. On paper, this concept was enticing, yet the movie offered more than just this tantalizing premise.

The film Antlers, featuring a robust cast and an enticing villain, appears to have an ominous and eerie vibe according to the trailer. However, despite the potential for greatness suggested by its source material, a short story titled “The Quiet Boy,” the movie itself ended up being underwhelming. This doesn’t necessarily mean it was poor; rather, it failed to make a lasting impact and seemed more like an ordinary horror film when it had the potential to be truly unique and memorable.

Why I Was Excited For Antlers In 2021

The Trailer & Premise Looked Promising

Over the latter part of the 2010s, it seems as though we’ve entered a period of resurgence for horror movies. Notable titles such as “Get Out,” “Hereditary,” “Talk to Me,” “X,” and “Barbarian” have graced our screens. Antlers was expected to follow suit due to its promising factors. With Keri Russell and Jesse Plemons, who have garnered significant praise in recent times, as well as director Scott Cooper whose work has been generally well-received.

In a similar vein, the trailer itself was quite gripping, showcasing something truly unsettling. Keri Russell’s performance seemed to hint at her potential as a leading scream queen, while the overall atmosphere felt eerily chilling. The short story “The Quiet Boy” is exceptionally well-crafted, and based on previews for Antlers, it appears it will live up to that promise. Upon first reading “The Quiet Boy”, I experienced a powerful sense of foreboding and despair, and from all indications, Antlers seems set to capture this feeling.

Antlers Failed To Live Up To Its Horror Movie Promise

The Movie Was Ultimately A Letdown

To put it simply, I wasn’t entirely dissatisfied with the movie Antlers. However, it didn’t quite live up to its potential as many had anticipated. While reviews were divided, there was a general consensus on what aspects of the film worked and what didn’t. The captivating performances by Russell and Plemons were widely praised, as was the cinematography that left many breathless at times.

In essence, the issues with the movie “Antlers” stem from its screenplay, which fails to strike a balance amidst all its intended elements. The climax and final scenes of the film appear hastily executed. What truly hinders “Antlers” from standing out in the horror genre is its lack of genuine terror. The wendigo turns out to be less terrifying than the abusive father depicted in flashbacks, and even the most effective death scene seems to lack a certain element.

From my perspective as a fan, it seems Scott Cooper may not have fully grasped the essence of what makes a horror film truly terrifying. His previous works like “Black Mass,” “Hostiles,” and “Crazy Heart” were not in the horror genre, and his upcoming project is a musical biopic about Bruce Springsteen. If Mr. Cooper decides to revisit horror in the future, I hope it’ll be more chilling. As of now, “Antlers” is a decent horror movie that had the potential to be exceptional.

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2025-05-18 22:11