As a movie critic who has seen his fair share of family dramas and psychological thrillers, I must say that A24’s latest offering, “The Front Room,” left me utterly spellbound. With its racially charged storyline and chilling reminiscent of classics like “Rosemary’s Baby” and Brandy Norwood’s glorious return to horror, this film is a must-watch for any movie enthusiast.
In-laws, am I right? Just when you thought you had it tough, you take in the outrageous predicament laid out in The Front Room, and you’re left wondering if maybe the hand you’re dealt ain’t all that bad. A24’s new psychological thriller ultimately throws a lot at the wall, and some of it sticks well: the racially charged story tropes, the chills reminiscent of classic feminine horror like Rosemary’s Baby, and, as promised in the promotional campaign, Brandy’s glorious return to horror.
Yes, it’s been 25 years since the famed singer and actress’ character survived the cunning sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer, and as Brandy recently told us, she may even be back for its own legacy sequel. In the meantime, from writer-directors Max and Sam Eggers, working off a chilling short story of the same name by Susan Hill, The Front Room offers enough edgy frights to send chills down your spine, even if the biggest shocks are perhaps even too hard to watch.
Solange Is a Wrecking Ball Headed to Belinda’s Front Room
Caution: The endearing name “Belinda” could potentially lose its charm for you following the watch of “The Front Room“. Brandy Norwood, a renowned vocalist and actress, portrays Belinda, a pregnant teacher, in this new production. The plot intensifies as a family tragedy involving her husband Norman (Andrew Burnap, who will soon feature in “Snow White“) leads to his stepmother (Kathryn Hunter, known for her exceptional performances in projects like “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and “Andor“) moving into their household.
Solange is the character in “The Front Room,” and her arrival might remind you of Beyoncé’s musical sister who made headlines for a confrontation with Jay-Z in an elevator incident several years ago. In this story, Solange causes quite a stir by transporting numerous items into Belinda and Norman’s humble residence, specifically their intended nursery, which is supposed to be for their newborn baby.
Hunter delivers a captivating performance as Solange, a character who is both ailing yet remarkably sharp, gradually asserting control over the house. She carries with her a modest and devoutly religious past, which instantly sparks tension with her Black daughter-in-law Belinda, causing her to progressively lose her mental stability as the movie ventures into increasingly unsettling realms.
Brandy Is Infinitely Relatable as the Anxiety Builds
Max Eggers is worth remembering for his collaboration on another A24 masterpiece, “The Lighthouse,” alongside his brother Robert. Notably, Robert gained prominence following the success of “The Witch” in 2015. In a similar vein, “The Front Room” shares a darkly humorous tone with “The Lighthouse.” However, it differs by incorporating a more earthy color palette that lends a down-to-earth, almost comforting feel to Belinda’s contemporary story. This makes the family disputes portrayed in it seem particularly relatable.
Any parent dealing with their partner’s hasty morning departures while juggling a messy home, a wailing baby in soiled diapers, can relate to Belinda, brilliantly portrayed by Brandy. Despite the years that have passed, Brandy remains as captivating as ever, and viewers will soon share her struggles as she reluctantly takes on the role of Solange’s caregiver (and emotional captive). It’s a stark contrast from Brandy’s recent films, “Best Christmas Ever” and “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” and offers a fresh perspective on her acting abilities. This role is her finest performance to date.
Kathryn Hunter May Be Too Good in a Stomach-Churning Film
Nevertheless, Hunter’s performance is a formidable vortex of hostility and tension that seems to swallow everything in its path. This powerful acting makes the film stand out, yet it might also be a slight problem because she overshadows almost everything else on screen. Her talent is undeniable, and her chilling voice could leave you with nightmares after she utters “M-E-S-S” each time she experiences an embarrassing incident in bed. Indeed, the movie becomes increasingly distressing and revolting as it intensifies anxiety, causing viewers to wince with revulsion during the second half.
Despite all that, the ultimate climax of The Front Room is somewhat of a letdown, given the absurd events that have transpired inside the residence. It’s as if a more mainstream film comes in at the very end to tidy things up. But up until then it’s all A24-level thrills (sometimes to a sickening extent, even for them), so The Front Room will certainly be a talker in the days to come. From A24, The Front Room will be released in theaters on Sep. 6, 2024.
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2024-09-06 16:01