When you imagine “comic book movies,” you usually envision vibrant, PG-13 films based on DC and Marvel superheroes. However, the realm of comic book movie adaptations is much broader than that. Comics can encompass any genre and originate from numerous publishers beyond just those two American companies. Therefore, comic book movies also include titles like Road to Perdition, Oldboy, Monkeybone, 300, and many more. Your local comics shop’s rack offers a vast array of options, offering limitless potential for film adaptations.
In October 2020, a particularly remarkable instance of this occurrence was shown in movie theaters. The film didn’t immediately become a household name when it premiered because Disney/20th Century Studios released it before a COVID-19 vaccine was available and audiences were avoiding cinemas. Nevertheless, The Empty Man remains one of the most impressive comic book movies from the past decade, as well as a captivating illustration of the diverse possibilities within this realm of filmmaking.
What Is The Empty Man About?
David Prior’s movie “The Empty Man,” inspired by the Cullen Book comic series published by Boom! Comics, was greenlit by 20th Century Fox in early 2016, well before Disney announced their acquisition of the studio. The film represented Fox’s attempt to expand its presence within the realm of comic book adaptations, as they were keen on adapting various properties from Boom! Comics, including “The Empty Man.” However, what Fox received was not a typical crowd-pleaser; it never had the potential to become the next “Deadpool,” even without COVID-19 affecting its release.
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In this 137-minute journey, ex-cop James Lasombra (James Badge Dale) delves into the mystery of a missing girl, but uncovers darker, more treacherous elements as he progresses. It’s later revealed that the case is linked to some eerie supernatural occurrences involving a cult and a powerful entity called The Empty Man. The potency of this figure is introduced in an extended prologue, effectively showcasing David Prior’s distinctive creative style. This story unfolds in 1995, where four mountain climbers embark on a routine expedition, only for one of them to encounter and ultimately succumb to the influence of The Empty Man.
Although none of the main characters from “The Empty Man” are directly involved in the initial 20 minutes or so, it feels like a separate campfire tale that sets the grim tone for the movie. The climax, where possessed climber Paul delivers a chilling punchline, adds an intriguing twist to this unusual opening sequence for a modern horror film. This unconventional start perfectly reflects the movie’s unwillingness to follow a comfortable or predictable path.
The Fascinatingly Grim Tone of The Empty Man
Horror films in the late 2010s regained public favor after a period of decreased interest in the genre during the 2000s and early 2010s, thanks to their adoption of more positive, conclusive endings. Unlike some earlier productions like “The Devil Inside” which ended abruptly with a website promotion, films such as “The Babadook” and “Get Out” provided firm, satisfying conclusions to their narratives. The “Conjuring” series, in particular, showcased the ability of Ed and Lorraine Warren to tackle any supernatural menace threatening ordinary people.
In contrast to this occurrence, “The Empty Man” presents an overwhelming air of sorrow and despair right from its beginning. Rather than providing a platform for redemption or personal development, the quest for truth portrayed in Lasombra’s journey is depicted as futile and tragic. This story takes place in a grim world that lacks humor, instead focusing on the dark aspects of humanity when great power is involved. The question posed is not just about fearing the supernatural Empty Man; it delves into who among us will give up or make compromises to climb the social ladder.
Delving into bleak, haunting imagery for a solid 137 minutes, I find myself captivated by the intriguing exploration of despair in “The Empty Man.” It’s not just scary, but genuinely terrifying, with the disturbingly realistic fanaticism of the Lasombra cult members that our protagonist encounters during his quest for truth. And to add another layer of appeal, there’s a brief yet impactful appearance by the talented Stephen Root. Although it may not seem like a typical comic book adaptation, this very deviation is what makes “The Empty Man” such a remarkable piece of artistry.
The Empty Man is now streaming on Hulu.
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2025-06-20 20:41