The Pyramid (2014) Movie Review
Unearthing Ancient Terrors in Modern Times
Title: The Pyramid
Director: Grégory Levasseur
Starring: Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O’Hare, James Buckley, Christa Nicola, Amir K
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Release Date: December 5, 2014
Runtime: 89 minutes
Synopsis:
“The Pyramid” follows a team of archaeologists who discover a unique, three-sided pyramid buried deep beneath the Egyptian desert. As they venture inside to explore, they become trapped in a labyrinth of ancient tunnels and chambers. The deeper they go, the more they realize they are not alone. Something ancient and evil is lurking within the pyramid, and it has been waiting to be unearthed.
Review
Performances:
Ashley Hinshaw leads the cast as Dr. Nora Holden, an ambitious archaeologist eager to uncover the secrets of the pyramid. Denis O’Hare portrays her father, Dr. Miles Holden, whose experience and caution contrast with Nora’s enthusiasm. James Buckley and Christa Nicola play a documentary crew capturing the expedition, adding a layer of found footage to the film. While the performances are earnest, they occasionally fall into horror clichés, with characters making predictable and questionable decisions in the face of danger.
Direction and Cinematography:
Grégory Levasseur, making his directorial debut, delivers a visually engaging film that effectively uses its claustrophobic setting. The cinematography by Laurent Tangy captures the narrow, winding passages and shadowy chambers of the pyramid, enhancing the sense of confinement and dread. The use of both traditional and found footage styles adds a unique visual dynamic, although it can sometimes be disorienting.
Script and Storytelling:
The screenplay, written by Daniel Meersand and Nick Simon, combines elements of classic mummy horror with modern archaeological adventure. The story’s premise is intriguing, but it follows a familiar trajectory with few surprises. The film’s pacing is brisk, keeping the tension high as the team delves deeper into the pyramid’s secrets. However, the dialogue can be stilted, and character development is minimal, making it hard for the audience to fully invest in the protagonists’ plight.
Horror Elements:
“The Pyramid” excels in creating an atmosphere of suspense and terror. The confined, maze-like setting of the pyramid is inherently creepy, and the film makes good use of shadows and eerie sounds to build tension. The ancient evil that the team encounters is both menacing and grotesque, providing some genuinely frightening moments. However, the reliance on jump scares and familiar horror tropes may diminish the impact for seasoned horror fans.
Streaming Services and Rental/Purchase Options
For viewers in the United States, “The Pyramid” is available on several platforms:
- Streaming Services:
- Hulu: Available with a subscription.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available with a subscription.
- Rental/Purchase Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Offers both rental and purchase options.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“The Pyramid” is a visually engaging horror film that leverages its unique setting to deliver a tense and suspenseful experience. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of storytelling or character development, it provides enough scares and thrills to entertain fans of the genre. If you enjoy horror films set in claustrophobic environments with an ancient twist, “The Pyramid” is worth a watch.
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