The Front Room (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Front Room (2024) is a striking and provocative debut film directed by Max and Sam Eggers, the younger half-brothers of Robert Eggers (The Lighthouse). Set within the walls of a tense and claustrophobic household, the movie spins a domestic horror story about a pregnant woman, Belinda (Brandy Norwood), and her husband, Norman (Andrew Burnap), who are forced to care for Norman’s elderly and estranged stepmother, Solange (Kathryn Hunter). The film embraces absurdity, mixing surrealism with dark humor as it explores family dynamics, bodily horror, and generational tensions.
Plot Overview
The story of The Front Room centers on Belinda, a non-tenured professor, and Norman, a public defender. Facing financial stress due to Belinda’s pregnancy and her sudden unemployment, the couple is cornered into accepting Norman’s stepmother, Solange, into their home after the death of Norman’s father. Solange, played by Kathryn Hunter, is portrayed as a disturbing and intrusive figure, whose presence quickly becomes unbearable. The movie’s title, The Front Room, refers to the part of their house where Solange is moved in, signaling the physical and psychological invasion she brings into the couple’s life.
While initially billed as a religious horror movie by A24, The Front Room is less about spiritual terror and more a domestic thriller with grotesque humor. The tension between Belinda and Solange grows, fueled by a clash of personalities, power struggles, and discomforts, both emotional and physical.
Cast and Performances
- Brandy Norwood as Belinda delivers a solid but understated performance. While she plays a major role in the narrative, her character struggles to stand out, especially when juxtaposed with the more eccentric and unforgettable Solange.
- Andrew Burnap as Norman is soft-spoken and supportive, but his character lacks the necessary depth to hold up against the overwhelming forces of Belinda and Solange.
- Kathryn Hunter as Solange is the true star of The Front Room. Her performance as the overbearing, religiously devout stepmother provides both the tension and the comic relief in the film. Hunter brings her extensive theatrical experience to the screen, portraying Solange as a character well beyond her years and delivering moments of cringe-worthy humor through bodily functions and religious fervor.
Themes and Tone
At its core, The Front Room is a darkly comedic exploration of family obligation and financial desperation. The film draws an uncomfortable parallel between Belinda’s impending motherhood and the couple’s responsibility toward Solange, who behaves almost childishly. Bodily fluids become a recurring motif, symbolizing the loss of control over both life and death, and Solange’s physical deterioration is central to the film’s grotesque humor.
Religious iconography is used as a backdrop rather than a central theme, with Solange’s fervent Christianity serving as a point of contrast to Belinda’s more intellectual and modern views. However, the film avoids leaning too heavily into religious horror, focusing instead on the visceral and absurd.
Streaming Availability and Where to Watch Online
The Front Room is currently screening in theaters, making it unavailable for streaming as of now. However, based on typical release patterns for A24 films, it is expected to become available on major streaming platforms within a few months after its theatrical run.
Expected Streaming Platforms:
- Hulu: A24 has a strong partnership with Hulu, and many of their films make their streaming debut on this platform. It’s likely that The Front Room will be available for streaming on Hulu in the near future.
- Showtime: Showtime also often features A24 films, especially for those looking to catch up on indie releases like The Front Room.
- A24 Screening Room: A24’s own platform could offer early access to the film for rent or purchase before it reaches other streaming services.
- Amazon Prime Video: While Amazon Prime may not offer The Front Room as part of its subscription, the platform will likely make the film available for rental or purchase.
- Apple TV+: As with Amazon, Apple TV+ is another platform where viewers will likely be able to rent or buy The Front Room once it leaves theaters.
Future Release Timeline
Given the standard theatrical window, we can expect The Front Room to hit streaming platforms approximately 90 days after its theatrical release, possibly in early 2024. Keep an eye on the platforms mentioned above for announcements on rental and purchase availability.
Final Thoughts
The Front Room is a strange and quirky debut, teetering between horror, comedy, and absurdity. The performances, particularly from Kathryn Hunter, bring life to a script that occasionally falters under the weight of its own eccentricities. The film’s exploration of family dynamics, pregnancy, and end-of-life care taps into deep emotional and physical discomforts, resulting in a story that is as unsettling as it is humorous. While it may not deliver on the promised horror thrills, The Front Room succeeds in delivering a unique viewing experience for fans of dark humor and offbeat domestic thrillers.
As you wait for The Front Room to hit streaming platforms, check your favorite services for updates, and don’t miss this twisted family drama when it arrives online.
