The Cellar (2022)

The Cellar (2022) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

The Cellar (2022) is a supernatural horror film directed by Brendan Muldowney. The film stars Elisha Cuthbert and Eoin Macken and delves into the eerie and unsettling world of haunted houses and malevolent forces. With its blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements, The Cellar aims to create a tense and chilling experience for audiences.

In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, key performances, and thematic elements. We’ll also provide information on where you can stream or rent The Cellar online in the U.S.

Plot Summary

The Cellar follows the story of Keira Woods (Elisha Cuthbert), a mother who relocates with her family to a new home. When her teenage daughter mysteriously disappears, Keira begins to unravel the dark secrets of their new house. The cellar of the house holds a sinister force that seems to be connected to her daughter’s disappearance.

As Keira investigates, she encounters disturbing phenomena and supernatural occurrences that suggest the house is not just old but harboring malevolent entities. The film builds tension through its exploration of fear, isolation, and the unknown, as Keira confronts the dark forces that threaten her family.

Key Characters and Performances

• Keira Woods (Elisha Cuthbert)
  Elisha Cuthbert plays Keira Woods, the film’s protagonist. Cuthbert’s performance brings depth to Keira’s emotional struggle and determination as she faces the horrors lurking in her new home. Her portrayal effectively captures the fear and desperation of a mother seeking to protect her family.
• Brian Woods (Eoin Macken)
  Eoin Macken appears as Brian Woods, Keira’s husband. Macken’s role adds to the film’s emotional complexity, as Brian’s skepticism and concern create tension within the family dynamic. His performance contributes to the film’s exploration of doubt and belief in the supernatural.
• Sarah (Diana Dors)
  Diana Dors plays Sarah, a character who provides insight into the house’s history and the supernatural events taking place. Dors’s performance adds to the film’s atmosphere and helps to unravel the mystery surrounding the house.
• The Entity
  The malevolent force or entity in the cellar is portrayed through a combination of practical effects and visual techniques. The entity’s presence adds to the film’s horror elements and contributes to the unsettling atmosphere.

What to Expect from The Cellar

Strengths

1. Atmospheric Tension: The film effectively creates a tense and eerie atmosphere through its use of suspenseful sound design, lighting, and cinematography. The cellar itself becomes a character, contributing to the film’s sense of dread.
2. Strong Performances: Elisha Cuthbert delivers a compelling performance as Keira Woods, capturing the emotional and psychological impact of the supernatural occurrences. The cast’s performances add depth to the film’s narrative and enhance its horror elements.
3. Supernatural Elements: The Cellar incorporates traditional supernatural horror elements, such as haunted spaces and malevolent forces, while adding a modern twist. The film’s exploration of these themes adds to its chilling effect.
4. Cinematic Techniques: Brendan Muldowney’s direction and the film’s cinematography contribute to its unsettling atmosphere. The use of practical effects and visual techniques enhances the horror elements and creates a visually engaging experience.

Weaknesses

1. Familiar Plot: Some viewers may find the film’s plot familiar, as it follows established tropes of haunted house and supernatural horror. While the execution is effective, the story may not offer many surprises for genre enthusiasts.
2. Character Development: The film’s focus on supernatural elements may limit the development of secondary characters. Some characters may feel underdeveloped or lack depth beyond their roles in the horror narrative.
3. Pacing Issues: Certain sections of the film may feel slow or uneven, particularly in the buildup to the central horror elements. The pacing may affect the overall tension and engagement for some viewers.

Direction and Cinematography

Brendan Muldowney’s direction brings a sense of foreboding and dread to the film. His ability to balance suspenseful moments with supernatural elements creates an engaging and unsettling experience.

The cinematography, by Tom Comerford, enhances the film’s atmosphere with its use of shadow, light, and color. The visual style contributes to the film’s sense of unease and adds to the overall horror experience.

Where to Watch The Cellar Online in the U.S.

Streaming Services

The Cellar is available for streaming on several platforms:

1. Amazon Prime Video
   • The film can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. Rentals typically cost around $4.99, while purchases range from $12.99 to $19.99.
2. Apple TV+
   • The Cellar is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, with rental prices typically around $4.99 and purchase options starting at $12.99.
3. Google Play Movies
   • The film can be rented or purchased on Google Play Movies, with rentals at $4.99 and purchases ranging from $12.99 to $19.99.
4. Vudu
   • The Cellar is available for streaming on Vudu, with options for rent or purchase. Rentals are generally around $4.99, and purchases range from $12.99 to $19.99.

Rental and Purchase Options

For additional rental and purchase options, you can also check:

• YouTube Movies
• Microsoft Store

Rental prices generally range from $3.99 to $5.99, with purchase options typically falling between $12.99 and $19.99.

Physical Media

The Cellar is available on DVD and Blu-ray, which can be purchased through major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Special editions may include bonus features such as behind-the-scenes content, interviews with the cast and crew, and commentary.

Conclusion

The Cellar (2022) offers a suspenseful and atmospheric horror experience, blending supernatural elements with psychological tension. With strong performances from Elisha Cuthbert and Eoin Macken, and effective use of cinematic techniques, the film provides a chilling and engaging experience for horror fans. Available for streaming and digital rental or purchase, The Cellar is a recommended choice for those who enjoy supernatural horror and haunted house stories.