As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of horror movie marathons under my belt, I must say that “Malignant” has earned a special place in my horror hall of fame. This film is not just another jump-scare fest; it’s a meticulously crafted whodunnit wrapped in a supernatural horror theme that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
As a horror enthusiast, I’ve just got to share my thoughts on the 2021 chiller, “Malignant,” now streaming on Peacock! This isn’t your typical scream-fest; it’s more like an intricate, suspenseful mystery – a slow-burning whodunnit (or even a howdunnit) that keeps you guessing. The supernatural horror element adds a chilling layer to the puzzle, making every twist and turn both terrifying and captivating.
Created by the skillful horror creator James Wan (starting October 10, watch his chilling new series “Teacup” on Peacock), alongside Akela Cooper (“M3GAN”, “American Horror Story”) and Ingrid Bisu (Wan’s real-life partner who also portrays a minor police role in the film), “Malignant” distinguishes itself from many recent horror movies, even those by Wan himself, by taking a more leisurely pace as it meticulously establishes its plot, and subsequently delivers its methodical, well-deserved twists.
For more Halloween horror:
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Revisiting Malignant: One part murder mystery, one part horror flick
The horror movie Malignant doesn’t focus excessively on shocking the audience with unexpected twists. Instead, it aims to draw viewers in by making them care about the various potential reasons and results, rather than scaring them out of their seats at every moment.
The movie teases mystery right from the start, as a sinister force wreaks deadly havoc across a creepy Seattle hospital in a 1990s flashback scene. Fast forward decades into the present day, and Malignant kicks in with a not-too-happy couple trying to avoid their third miscarriage — a wish that’s tragically denied after expecting mom Madison (Annabelle Wallis) wakes up anguished and confused in a hospital bed, only to learn that her abusive husband Derek (Jake Abel) is dead and her baby long gone.
The authorities pay a visit to discuss Derek’s demise, causing Sydney (Madison Hasson’s sister) to worry more about her miscarried baby and Madison’s emotional turmoil. Upon returning home, Madison starts experiencing bizarre, supernatural visions that make it seem like she’s observing events firsthand—particularly a mysterious figure in black committing murders while being aware of Madison’s proximity. This unsettling sequence recurs frequently as detective Kekoa Shaw from Seattle delicately investigates the link between Madison’s visions and the killings.
Madison has been housing a parasitic twin named Gabriel in the recesses of her mind, a wicked entity that had been dormant until recently, claiming partial control over Madison’s body from its host sister.
A hidden horror twin?! Where Malignant gets really weird
Absolutely, that means Madison, or her possessed body, is the one the police have been looking for as the real killer. If that idea seems bizarre, the movie’s approach of depicting each crime as it occurs just amplifies the overall chaos.
In Wan’s slasher scenes, Madison serves as an outside observer of the violent acts, rather than implying her participation through close-ups. The parasitic twin concept isn’t intended to provide scientifically sound explanations; it’s more about creating a unique narrative. Given how Madison’s body bends in ways that no human physiology can naturally manage, it’s unrealistic to assume Gabriel, who resides within the back of Madison’s head, is responsible for the malicious acts he commits. Additionally, each murder scene seems to hint at Gabriel possessing an enigmatic power over nearby electronics and communication systems.
Essentially, the movie “Malignant” presents its reason for the chaos and devastation as a convenient narrative device, rather than an attempt to deceive viewers into believing that the film’s twin-twin plot is concealing actual real-life sci-fi secrets suppressed by research hospitals. The ending of the movie leaves room for Madison to potentially become a future sci-fi comic book hero, provided that director James Wan and the creative team choose to continue the “Malignant” story in other media down the line.
Critics who criticized the movie “Malignant” had difficulty accepting its deliberate blending of science and imagination, possibly because the film’s research-based foundation slightly challenges viewers’ assumptions about what is genuinely depicted onscreen versus what originates from the protagonist’s mind. For most others, however, “Malignant” offers a dark, almost detective-style murder mystery wrapped in a gradually building horror atmosphere… and truthfully, it’s likely one of Wan’s most captivating and enjoyable films.
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2024-10-07 23:31