The Disappointments Room (2016) Movie Review
“The Disappointments Room,” directed by D.J. Caruso, is a psychological horror film that attempts to blend supernatural elements with real-world trauma. Despite its intriguing premise and a capable lead performance by Kate Beckinsale, the film struggles to deliver a coherent and engaging narrative. This review will delve into the plot, characters, special effects, and available streaming options in America.
Plot Summary
The film follows Dana Barrow (Kate Beckinsale), an architect who moves to a rural Southern mansion with her husband David (Mel Raido) and young son Lucas (Duncan Joiner) after a personal tragedy. As they settle into their new home, Dana discovers a hidden room in the attic that does not appear on the house’s blueprints.
Curious and disturbed by the room’s existence, Dana begins to investigate its history. She learns that the room was used by the previous owners to lock away their “disappointments” – children born with physical deformities or disabilities. As Dana uncovers the dark past of the house, she starts experiencing terrifying visions and haunting apparitions, blurring the line between reality and her unraveling sanity.
Characters and Performances
Kate Beckinsale as Dana Barrow
Kate Beckinsale delivers a compelling performance as Dana, a woman grappling with grief and guilt while facing a supernatural threat. Beckinsale effectively portrays Dana’s descent into paranoia and fear, grounding the film with emotional depth and intensity. Her portrayal captures the complex interplay between Dana’s internal struggles and the external horrors she faces.
Mel Raido as David Barrow
Mel Raido plays David, Dana’s supportive but increasingly concerned husband. Raido’s performance is solid, though his character is somewhat underdeveloped. David’s role primarily serves to highlight Dana’s isolation and growing detachment from reality.
Duncan Joiner as Lucas Barrow
Duncan Joiner portrays Lucas, Dana and David’s young son. Joiner’s performance is convincing, capturing the innocence and vulnerability of a child caught in a frightening situation. His interactions with Beckinsale add emotional weight to the story.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast includes Lucas Till as Ben, a local handyman, and Gerald McRaney as Judge Blacker, the former owner of the house. Both actors deliver competent performances, though their characters are not given enough screen time to make a significant impact.
Visuals and Special Effects
“The Disappointments Room” employs a mix of practical effects and CGI to create its supernatural elements. The film’s visual style is atmospheric, with the mansion’s eerie interiors and shadowy corridors effectively enhancing the sense of dread. The cinematography captures the isolation and decay of the house, contributing to the film’s unsettling mood.
However, the special effects are hit-or-miss. Some of the ghostly apparitions and jump scares feel formulaic and lack the impact needed to sustain tension. The film relies heavily on horror tropes, which can make the scares predictable and less effective.
Script and Direction
The script, written by Wentworth Miller, struggles with pacing and coherence. While the central premise is intriguing, the narrative often feels disjointed, and certain plot points are left underexplored. The film’s attempt to blend psychological horror with supernatural elements results in an uneven tone, and the resolution feels rushed and unsatisfying.
D.J. Caruso’s direction shows moments of promise, particularly in building atmospheric tension. However, the film’s pacing issues and reliance on familiar horror conventions undermine its potential. Caruso effectively captures Dana’s psychological unraveling, but the overall execution falls short of delivering a consistently engaging horror experience.
Nostalgia Factor
For fans of psychological horror, “The Disappointments Room” offers a familiar blend of haunted house tropes and personal trauma. While it may not reach the heights of genre classics, it provides a few genuinely unsettling moments. The film’s exploration of grief and guilt adds a layer of emotional complexity, though it could have been more fully developed.
Streaming and Rental Options in America
As of 2024, “The Disappointments Room” (2016) is available on several streaming platforms and rental services in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or purchase the film in HD quality.
- iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies: Offers both rental and purchase options.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
- YouTube Movies: You can rent or buy the film here as well.
- Hulu: Sometimes available for streaming with a subscription.
These options ensure that whether you prefer to own a digital copy or just watch it once, you have plenty of choices.
Conclusion
“The Disappointments Room” (2016) is a film with an intriguing premise and a strong lead performance by Kate Beckinsale. However, it struggles with pacing issues, an uneven script, and reliance on conventional horror tropes. While it offers some atmospheric and unsettling moments, it ultimately falls short of delivering a memorable horror experience. For those interested in psychological horror with supernatural elements, it may be worth a watch, but temper your expectations. The film is readily available on multiple streaming platforms, making it accessible for curious viewers.
