Tarot (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Tarot (2024) attempts to delve into the world of supernatural horror, presenting a story where a group of friends inadvertently unleashes a deadly curse through an ancient deck of Tarot cards. Despite its intriguing premise, the film struggles to deliver the thrills and chills that horror enthusiasts crave. Directed by Spenser Cohen and Anna Helberg, Tarot could have been a standout in the genre, but unfortunately, it falls short in several key areas.
Plot Summary: A Deadly Game of Tarot
The film begins at a birthday party in a secluded country house, where a group of friends stumbles upon an old set of Tarot cards. Haley, one of the friends, decides to do a reading for each member of the group, despite warnings about the dangers of using someone else’s deck. As the night progresses, the group starts to experience terrifying events that eerily correspond to their Tarot readings. One by one, they face gruesome deaths, each in a manner connected to the cards drawn during their readings. The friends must unravel the mystery of the cursed Tarot deck before they all meet their fates.
Source Material Discrepancy: A Missed Opportunity
The film credits mention that Tarot is based on Nicholas Adams’ novel Horrorscope. However, upon investigating sources like Goodreads, Google, and Amazon, the book’s plot centers around a high school student suspecting that a series of murders might be linked to a horoscope column in the school newspaper. This stark difference from the film’s plot raises questions about why the filmmakers chose to diverge so drastically from the source material. The original premise offers a unique slasher-mystery potential, but instead, the film takes a more generic supernatural route, missing out on what could have been a more gripping narrative.
Execution: Familiar Tropes and Lackluster Scares
Tarot unfortunately leans heavily on familiar horror tropes, such as sudden loud noises and fleeting shadows in the background. These elements have become somewhat predictable in modern horror, and while they may provide momentary jumps, they fail to create the deep-seated fear that makes a horror film truly memorable. The movie carries a Final Destination vibe, where the characters are hunted by a curse rather than by death itself. However, unlike Final Destination, which thrives on building tension and delivering creative death sequences, Tarot falls flat, offering little in terms of originality or suspense.
The deaths tied to Tarot card readings had the potential to be a unique and unsettling concept, but the execution lacks the necessary intensity. The scares are minimal, and the film fails to generate the kind of atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Performances and Direction: Bright Spots in a Dim Film
The performances in Tarot are one of the few redeeming aspects of the film. Harriet Slater, Jacob Batalon, Avantika, Olwen Fouéré, Humberly González, Larsen Thompson, Adain Bradley, and Wolfgang Novogratz deliver solid performances, bringing authenticity to their roles. Their efforts, however, are somewhat hampered by the script, which doesn’t give them much depth to work with.
Directors Spenser Cohen and Anna Helberg manage to stage some visually interesting death scenes, and the setting—a remote, atmospheric country house—helps to build some tension. But overall, the film lacks the strong directorial vision needed to elevate it from mediocrity. The writing, also handled by Cohen and Helberg, is inconsistent, particularly in how the characters and the Tarot cards are portrayed. This inconsistency detracts from the film’s potential impact, making the storyline feel disjointed and less engaging.
Soundtrack: A High Note Amid the Lows
The soundtrack by Joseph Bishara, known for his work on The Conjuring franchise and Insidious, is a highlight of the film. Bishara’s music adds tension and atmosphere, helping to lift the film during its more lackluster moments. The eerie, haunting score complements the supernatural elements of the story, but even a strong soundtrack can’t completely compensate for the film’s other shortcomings.
Where to Watch Tarot Online
As of 2024, Tarot is available on various streaming platforms, allowing viewers to experience the film from the comfort of their homes. Here are the options:
Streaming Services
- Netflix: Tarot is available for streaming on Netflix, one of the largest platforms for both original and third-party films. Subscribers can watch the film in HD, with options for subtitles in multiple languages.
- Amazon Prime Video: Tarot is also available on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can stream the movie in HD, and it’s also available for download for offline viewing.
- Hulu: While Hulu may not have the film as part of its regular library, it might be available through add-ons or special content collections. Checking Hulu’s current offerings is recommended.
Rental and Purchase Options
For those who prefer to rent or own Tarot, here are some digital platforms that provide these options:
- Apple iTunes: You can rent or purchase Tarot on Apple iTunes, available in HD. This platform allows for a seamless viewing experience on Apple devices.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers both rental and purchase options for Tarot. The film is available in multiple resolutions, ensuring high-quality viewing on various devices.
- Vudu: Vudu offers Tarot for rent or purchase, often with deals or bundles that might include other horror films. The platform supports HD and Ultra HD viewing.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity in Supernatural Horror
Tarot (2024) could have been a compelling entry in the supernatural horror genre, but it ultimately fails to live up to its potential. While the concept of Tarot cards predicting death is intriguing, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired. The discrepancy between the film and its supposed source material only adds to the sense of missed opportunity.
Despite some strong performances and a solid soundtrack, Tarot struggles to stand out in a crowded field of horror films. For those who are easily startled or new to horror, it might provide some entertainment, but seasoned horror fans are likely to find it disappointing. With its availability across various streaming services and digital platforms, Tarot is accessible for viewing, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.
