The Well (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Well (2024) is a horror film that keeps audiences hooked with its dual storylines and unnerving atmosphere. Directed by Federico Zampaglione, known for his blend of atmospheric horror, the movie offers a mix of slasher brutality and gothic mystery. With Terrifier 2’s breakout star Lauren LaVera leading the cast, the film is a fascinating, albeit imperfect, journey through two seemingly unrelated narratives that merge as the story unfolds.
If you’re looking for an entertaining horror experience that combines grisly violence with supernatural elements, The Well delivers a bloody, suspenseful ride. However, it is not without its flaws, particularly in how the film’s two distinct stories sometimes feel disjointed. Nevertheless, The Well offers enough horror, stunning visuals, and strong performances to make it worth a watch.
Plot Overview: Two Storylines, One Chilling Journey
The Well follows the journey of two women—Lisa (Lauren LaVera), an art restorer sent to Italy to restore an ancient painting, and Tracey (Taylor Zaudtke), who faces a nightmarish ordeal after being abducted. The film switches between these two narratives, each one vastly different in tone and style. On one hand, Lisa’s story is a slow-burn gothic horror filled with eerie castles and unsettling secrets, reminiscent of classic haunted house tales. On the other hand, Tracey’s storyline is a brutal slasher, set in a grim, torture-porn-like environment where death is ever-present.
Lisa is sent to a remote Italian village to work on a medieval painting that harbors a dark curse. As she gets deeper into her work, she uncovers disturbing secrets about the painting’s history and its connection to supernatural forces. Meanwhile, Tracey is locked in a cage and must witness brutal killings carried out by a monstrous man. These two seemingly unconnected storylines gradually come together in the third act, although the execution of this merger is where the film falters.
While both stories have merit, the tonal mismatch between them makes for a somewhat jarring experience. The gothic mystery is atmospheric and engaging, while the slasher scenes are gruesome and relentless. However, as the film progresses, the merging of these two genres feels more forced than fluid.
Performances and Direction
Lauren LaVera, fresh off her success in Terrifier 2, delivers a strong performance as Lisa. She portrays a character who, despite the bizarre circumstances, remains grounded and relatable. LaVera brings depth to Lisa, making her more than just another horror movie victim. Her portrayal is thoughtful, and even when the dialogue becomes clunky, she manages to keep the audience invested in her story.
Taylor Zaudtke as Tracey is also impressive, bringing raw emotion and fear to her role as she endures the horrific events she’s subjected to. Claudia Gerini, as Emma, the wealthy woman who hires Lisa, adds a sinister charm to the film, reminiscent of her role in John Wick: Chapter 2. She plays a character with a hidden agenda, keeping viewers guessing about her true motives.
Federico Zampaglione’s direction is a mixed bag. While he excels in creating suspense and crafting visually stunning scenes, particularly in Lisa’s storyline, the two plots don’t mesh as well as they should. Zampaglione clearly has an eye for gothic horror, and the Italian countryside, ancient mansions, and creepy artifacts are captured beautifully. However, the abrupt tonal shifts between the slasher and supernatural elements detract from the overall experience.
Practical Effects and Cinematography
One of the standout features of The Well is its use of practical effects. The death scenes are gnarly and well-executed, adding a visceral edge to the slasher portions of the film. The film doesn’t shy away from blood and gore, and the practical effects elevate these moments, making them all the more impactful for horror fans.
The cinematography is another high point, especially in Lisa’s storyline. The Italian landscapes are breathtaking, and the interiors of the mansion are both beautiful and eerie. The film’s lighting choices also add to the tension, with shadowy corridors and dimly lit rooms creating a sense of unease throughout Lisa’s investigation.
Flaws in Storytelling
Despite its strengths, The Well falters in the third act when the two storylines converge. While the buildup of both narratives is compelling in their own right, the eventual merging of these plots feels rushed and somewhat nonsensical. The film’s twist, while interesting, isn’t entirely satisfying due to the lack of cohesion between the two narratives leading up to it.
The dialogue is another weak point, with some lines coming off as awkward or out of place. While the actors do their best with the material, the screenplay could have used some refinement, especially in developing more nuanced character interactions.
Where to Watch The Well Online
As of its release in 2024, The Well is available for streaming and rental on several platforms. For horror fans in the United States, here’s where you can watch the film online:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for both rental and purchase, The Well can be accessed through Amazon’s streaming platform. Rental options typically range from $3.99 to $5.99, while purchase prices vary depending on the resolution (SD or HD).
- Apple TV: Users can rent or buy The Well via Apple TV. The platform offers the same flexible rental and purchase options, with prices similar to Amazon Prime.
- Vudu: On Vudu, The Well is available for rent and purchase, often offering special discounts or bundle options for horror movies.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag for Horror Fans
The Well is an ambitious horror film that succeeds in delivering memorable scares and impressive practical effects but stumbles in its storytelling. While Lauren LaVera’s performance and the film’s atmospheric gothic setting are standout elements, the film’s disjointed plotlines and clunky dialogue hold it back from reaching its full potential.
Horror fans will find plenty to enjoy, particularly those who appreciate practical effects and gory kills, but the film’s tonal inconsistencies may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied. Regardless, The Well is worth checking out for its unique blend of slasher and gothic horror, especially if you’re a fan of LaVera’s work in Terrifier 2.
