Demonic (2015) Movie Review
A Haunting Tale of Supernatural Terror
Title: Demonic
Director: Will Canon
Starring: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn, Dustin Milligan
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Release Date: May 1, 2015
Runtime: 83 minutes
Synopsis:
“Demonic” follows the investigation of a brutal massacre that occurred in an abandoned house with a sinister history. Detective Mark Lewis (Frank Grillo) and psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Klein (Maria Bello) are called to the scene to uncover the truth behind the grisly crime. They discover the bodies of five college students who had been investigating paranormal activities and the lone survivor, John (Dustin Milligan), who recounts the horrifying events leading up to the massacre. As they delve deeper, they uncover a connection to a series of past killings and a demonic presence that has been awakened.
Review
Performances:
Frank Grillo and Maria Bello deliver solid performances as the detective and psychologist, respectively. Grillo’s portrayal of Detective Lewis is grounded and believable, while Bello brings a sense of authority and compassion to her role as Dr. Klein. Dustin Milligan’s performance as John, the traumatized survivor, adds to the film’s tension and emotional depth.
Direction and Atmosphere:
Director Will Canon creates a chilling atmosphere, effectively using the abandoned house setting to evoke a sense of dread and claustrophobia. The film’s visual style, characterized by dim lighting and eerie camera angles, enhances the horror elements and keeps viewers on edge. Canon’s direction ensures that the tension remains high throughout the film, with well-executed jump scares and unsettling imagery.
Script and Storytelling:
The screenplay, written by Max La Bella, Doug Simon, and Will Canon, combines elements of a police procedural with supernatural horror. While the narrative follows some familiar tropes of the genre, it manages to weave a compelling mystery that keeps audiences engaged. The film alternates between the investigation in the present and flashbacks to the events leading up to the massacre, providing a layered storytelling approach that adds depth to the plot.
Horror Elements:
“Demonic” excels in creating a sense of impending doom. The use of practical effects, minimal CGI, and sound design contributes to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The haunted house setting serves as a perfect backdrop for the supernatural occurrences, and the film does a commendable job of building suspense and delivering genuine scares.
Streaming Services and Rental/Purchase Options
For viewers in the United States, “Demonic” is available on several platforms:
- Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available with a subscription.
- Tubi: Available for free with ads.
- Rental/Purchase Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or purchase digitally.
- iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Offers both rental and purchase options.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“Demonic” is a well-crafted horror film that blends supernatural elements with a gripping mystery. Strong performances by Frank Grillo and Maria Bello, combined with effective direction and a chilling atmosphere, make for a satisfying horror experience. While it follows some familiar genre conventions, the film’s execution and suspenseful storytelling ensure that it remains an engaging and scary watch. If you enjoy supernatural horror with a touch of investigative drama, “Demonic” is worth checking out.
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