As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the dark and twisted worlds of horror games like Silent Hill and Outlast, I can say that these two films, Daddy’s Head and The Severed Sun, offer a chilling experience that is both captivating and unsettling.
2024 is rolling in with the Fantastic Fest edition, and guess who’s back for another round of immersing myself in the global showcase of unique and genre-bending cinematography? Yours truly! I’ve got two more reviews straight from the event, both chilling horror flicks. First up is “Daddy’s Head“, a spine-tingling Shudder release that’s bound to keep you on edge. Last but not least, there’s the eerie UK folk horror flick “The Severed Sun“, which promises an unnerving journey into the heart of folklore and fear. Can’t wait to share my thoughts on these!
Daddy’s Head
Recently, grief-themed horror has emerged as a distinct subgenre, and “Daddy’s Head” contributes to this trend, with both positive and negative aspects. Directed by Benjamin Barfoot, the film centers around a grieving wife and her stepson, who find themselves in an almost untenable situation: the boy’s father, also her husband, has passed away, leaving everything to her, including the decision of whether or not to keep the child. This initial premise sets it apart from similar films and creates intrigue. Barfoot skillfully differentiates it through surreal, dreamlike visuals and a few unexpected jump scares, thus establishing its unique identity.
Although Daddy’s Head started off strongly with impressive performances and an engaging first half-hour, it swiftly begins to resemble The Babadook and its numerous copies. This is evident not only in the spooky voice of the entity haunting the house, but also in its movements. The issue lies in the fact that even with these large imitative elements, it lacks the broader atmospheric setting that would further anchor those elements. Compared to other works inspired by Jennifer Kent’s original film, I’ve seen more problematic attempts, but this one doesn’t go far enough to distinguish itself from the other movies trying to emulate its success.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
The Severed Sun
The Severed Sun holds viewers captivated primarily through its compelling cast. Emma Appleton plays Magpie, a young woman who defies convention as a member of a religious group, dancing to her own rhythm. Despite being the daughter of the main pastor (Toby Stephens delivering an outstanding performance), her actions spark curiosity among other community members, such as Jodhi May’s chilling portrayal of paranoia. At its finest, The Severed Sun delves into the personal lives of these characters and the enigmatic world they inhabit.
Dean Puckett’s horror film, categorized under the folk horror genre, delivers many elements traditional to the subgenre, yet doesn’t introduce much that is fresh or innovative. The movie draws influences from various sources such as “The Wicker Man,” “The Village,” “The Witch,” and “The Blood on Satan’s Claw.” However, it stands out by being upfront about the presence of a monster, with the opening credits announcing “JAMES SWANTON AS THE BEAST.” Although it plays like a compilation of this specific subgenre, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The film is concise, running for approximately 80 minutes, making it efficient, engaging, and enjoyable to watch.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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2024-09-26 22:39