A man providing overnight watch to a deceased member of his former Orthodox Jewish community finds himself opposite a malevolent entity.
“The Vigil” 2020 Movie Review: A Haunting Blend of Horror and Tradition
Introduction Directed by Keith Thomas, “The Vigil” is a 2020 supernatural horror film that uniquely situates itself within the confines of an Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York. The movie stands out for integrating Jewish folklore and mystical traditions into the horror genre, offering a fresh and culturally rich narrative. With a compelling performance by Dave Davis as the protagonist Yakov Ronen, “The Vigil” explores themes of faith, grief, and the haunting nature of one’s past.
Plot Overview Yakov Ronen, a young man recently estranged from his Orthodox community, is financially struggling and emotionally isolated. He reluctantly accepts a job as a shomer, a traditional practice in which a person watches over the body of a deceased community member through the night. Tasked with keeping vigil over the body of a Holocaust survivor, Yakov soon realizes that the house—and the deceased—harbor a malevolent entity. As the night progresses, Yakov confronts terrifying visions and supernatural phenomena that force him to reckon with his own traumas and a malevolent spirit determined to consume him.
Cast and Performances Dave Davis delivers a profound performance as Yakov, effectively capturing the character’s internal struggle and terror. His portrayal of Yakov’s psychological and spiritual crisis provides a strong emotional anchor for the audience. Menashe Lustig, who plays the role of Mr. Litvak, the deceased, adds a layer of depth and mystery to the film through his backstory and the disturbing history of the house.
Direction and Cinematography Keith Thomas makes his directorial debut with “The Vigil,” showcasing a confident grasp of suspense and atmospheric tension. The film’s cinematography, by Zach Kuperstein, is notable for its effective use of lighting and shadow, creating a claustrophobic and eerie environment that amplifies the horror. The limited settings of the film—the majority takes place inside one house—are used to great effect, focusing on tight, intimate shots that heighten the feeling of entrapment and paranoia.
Themes and Symbolism “The Vigil” taps into the rich vein of Jewish mysticism and demonology, particularly the concept of the Mazzik, a malevolent spirit. The film explores the impact of historical trauma, with the protagonist’s personal history and the Holocaust survivor’s experiences interweaving to discuss broader themes of memory, guilt, and redemption. It also addresses the struggle of individuals breaking away from tight-knit religious communities, highlighting the personal conflicts and challenges that come with such transitions.
Conclusion “The Vigil” is a compelling and thoughtful horror film that successfully melds traditional genre elements with lesser-seen cultural narratives. It provides not only scares but also a poignant look at the ways in which our pasts haunt us, all set against a unique backdrop rarely explored in mainstream horror.
Final Thoughts For those interested in horror films that offer both psychological depth and cultural specificity, “The Vigil” is a standout. It is recommended for viewers looking for a horror experience that is as thought-provoking as it is chilling.
