It's been a tough week already and out of all the days this week, today was the only day I didn’t have a paper obviously because it's the weekend. After reading for hours, I felt uneasy and decided to see a movie. I opted for a thriller because it’s the one genre that doesn’t quite bore me out. My sister called me a creep for liking thriller films. That was just hilarious. Romance these days feels redundant so I’d rather settle for the jumpscares and high stakes.
Although I wasn’t really impressed with the film's ambiguous ending, it was intriguing.
Synopsis
When Kate (Olga Kurylenko) and Matt (Kevin Janssens) move into a remote mansion, they stumble upon a hidden room with a supernatural power. It grants them anything they wish for. At first, their dreams become reality, from lavish luxuries to priceless works of art. However, the couple soon realizes that everything the room provides can’t be used beyond the walls of the house. Their wishes also begin to spiral out of control, leading to a dark and disturbing revelation that puts their lives at risk.
Review and Personal Criticism
Directed by Christian Volckman, this film opens with an intriguing premise: the ultimate fantasy of unlimited wishes. However, it shifts real quick from a dreamlike fairy tale to a psychological thriller. The eerie cinematography and unsettling atmosphere helps keep the tension alive, making it clear that the room’s gifts are not as miraculous as they seem.
It’s actually my first impression of the characters in this film and I must say they delivered strong performances, especially Kate, who embodies a woman torn between desire and despair. Matt, plays the skeptical yet increasingly desperate husband and together, their chemistry sells the emotional weight of their predicament. I was extra hooked when the film delved into the characters psychological struggles rather than just focusing on the supernatural elements.
While the concept is undeniably compelling, the film falters in execution. The pacing is uneven, some moments are drawn out unnecessarily, while others, especially the climax, felt rushed. Additionally, the film raises deep philosophical questions but doesn’t explore them as thoroughly as it could. It flirts with ideas about the dangers of getting everything you want but stops short of fully committing to a profound commentary.
Anyway, it is a stylish and eerie thriller with a fascinating concept, although it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. If you enjoy mind bending thrillers with supernatural twists, it’s worth a watch but don’t expect a deeply satisfying resolution.
Rating: 3.5/5
It’s an intriguing psychological thriller with strong performances and an eerie atmosphere, but its execution leaves room (no pun intended) for more depth which if explored would have left a long remarkable impact on the viewer.