Hello, horrorphiles! It is time, once again, to feature a fantastic film in Underrated Horror Movie of the Month. If you are new to the column, here’s the scoop. On the second and fourth Friday of every month, I talk about a horror movie that I feel is underrated and underloved. I am talking about the 2018 Netflix film, Malevolent in today’s edition. Stick around to see why I think this movie deserves more love.
About Malevolent
Brother and sister, Jackson (Ben Lloyd-Hughes) and Angela (Florence Pugh), run a phony paranormal investigation business. Together, they swindle grieving individuals into believing they are convincing their deceased loved ones to move on. Eventually, they take on a case that will change everything.
As part of the ruse, Angela pretends to have a psychic ability that allows her to hear and communicate with the dead. During one “investigation,” Angela sees something she can’t explain, something no one else saw. After this incident, she begins experiencing more strange occurrences. Jackson takes on a huge project featuring an old foster home where several children were brutally murdered, and everything goes downhill.
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As Angela learns more about the house’s history and experiences the supernatural at an increasing rate, terrible events unfold. Are the issues ghosts from the past or flesh and blood haunting the present?
Malevolent also stars Celia Imrie, Georgina Bevan, Scott Chambers and Steven McCole. Olaf de Fleur Johannesson directed and the screenplay was written by Ben Ketai and Eva Konstantopoulos.
This film has a 58 percent Tomatometer Score and a 17 percent Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes.
My Thoughts
The story is, admittedly, a bit predictable. HOWEVER, there is a twist at the end that I found enjoyable. A hefty part of the plot is outlined in the premise. This fact does not help eliminate the ability to anticipate what is coming. My thought, though, is that a story worth telling is still worth watching, even if you know what is going to happen. Even with the predictability, the storytelling, atmosphere and acting are worth watching.
Along the same train of thought, the dialog fits the tale nicely. It flows naturally and provides vital information about each character. It is easy to envision the conversations occurring outside of a television screen.
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All of the actors did an admirable job on Malevolent. My least favorite character is Jackson, and I am not certain if it is the actor or the way the character is written. Perhaps it is a bit of both. As always, Florence Pugh hits all of the nuances required of the character. Her terror at experiencing the supernatural is palpable, and her interactions with other characters are spot-on.
The atmosphere is incredible; there is an edge-of-your-seat creepiness that oozes from every scene. There are a few jump scares, but if you are a horror lover, it is easy to see them coming. Nevertheless, eeriness prevails, and I found myself completely engaged throughout the film. Additionally, the sets are incredible and lend to the overall creep factor.
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My biggest complaint with Malevolent is that many scenes are quite dark. I understand this is necessary given how the setting is portrayed, but it is difficult to fully appreciate some of the smaller details when everything is so dark.
Final Thoughts
Alright, horror fans, there is another underrated horror movie in the books! Do I think this film is going to win awards for originality? No, but it is a fun and intriguing watch that is well worth the time and effort. Malevolent is streaming on Netflix and is easily one of my favorite horror movies the platform has produced. Had I not already known this is a low-budget film, I never would have guessed.
Have you seen this movie? Let me know in the comments! Also, be sure to tell me which movie you think I should feature next.
Until next time, stay spooky and fabulous! Check out Malevolent‘s trailer below before you go.
Movie Review: FUNNY PAGES
Becca is often found in her natural habitat; immersed in a fictional world with plenty of snacks! The horror goblin occasionally surfaces to refill her coffee cup and grumble at people.