Synopsis
"Antlers" (2021) is a supernatural horror film directed by Scott Cooper and based on the short story "The Quiet Boy" by Nick Antosca. Set in a remote Oregon town, the narrative revolves around the reclusive teacher, Julia Meadows (played by Keri Russell), and her troubled student, Lucas (Jeremy T. Thomas), who harbours a dark secret. Lucas lives with his father, who has descended into violent madness, following the loss of his wife. Julia, battling her own demons, becomes increasingly concerned for Lucas as she notices signs of distress and fear in him.
As the tension in the town heightens due to mysterious disappearances and unexplained savagery, Julia teams up with her brother Paul (Jesse Plemons), a local sheriff, to uncover the truth behind Lucas’s troubling behaviour. What unfolds is a harrowing tale steeped in folklore and themes of trauma, family, and the monstrous forms of grief. As the mystery deepens, it becomes clear that the horrors Lucas faces are both external and internal, leading to a terrifying confrontation with a creature that embodies the darkest aspects of humanity and nature.
The film dives into themes of addiction, neglected trauma, and the cycles of violence that haunt families, making "Antlers" not just a tale of terror, but a poignant exploration of human suffering.
List of Actors and Characters
- Keri Russell as Julia Meadows
- Jesse Plemons as Paul Meadows
- Jeremy T. Thomas as Lucas Weaver
- Graham Greene as the local elder, a voice of folklore
- Scott Haze as Frank Weaver, Lucas’s troubled father
- Amy Pemberton as the mother figure in Lucas’s life (cameo role)
Review
"Antlers" arrives with a weighty premise, its roots dug deep into the soil of folklore and modern existential dread. From the outset, the cinematography captures the bleak, desolate beauty of the Oregon landscape, hinting at the duality of nature, both nurturing and predatory. The visual tone set by DoP Masanobu Takayanagi with his cold colour palette accentuates the film’s oppressive atmosphere, often serving as a symbol for the emotional barrenness that afflicts the characters.
Keri Russell delivers a deeply affecting performance as Julia Meadows, embodying a character fraught with personal trauma and the burdens of professional responsibility. Julia’s determination to protect Lucas shines through, her maternal instincts amplified by her own troubled past. Russell’s ability to convey a spectrum of emotions—from fear to fierce protectiveness—is a highlight, grounding the supernatural elements in a relatable human experience.
Jeremy T. Thomas, as Lucas, brings an astonishing depth to a character who is both victim and reluctant bearer of a dark family legacy. His portrayal resonates with childlike innocence yet harbours an unsettling familiarity with terror, drawing viewers into the interior world of a boy grappling with horrors beyond his understanding. As Lucas navigates his grim existence, the film invites viewers to empathise with his plight, illustrating the effects of neglect and fear.
The film’s pacing, however, does falter at several points. In its effort to build atmospheric tension, "Antlers" occasionally meanders, leading to a feeling of prolonged suspense that can verge on frustrating. The narrative may feel stretched, especially in the middle acts, where some plot points linger without sufficient payoff. This leads to a sense of anticipation and anxiety, as viewers are left waiting for revelations that the script teases, yet sometimes underdelivers.
Scott Cooper’s direction maintains an impressive level of visual storytelling, effectively harnessing the environment to reflect the characters’ inner turmoil. The creature design, inspired by Native American folklore, undoubtedly serves as a central figure in the tale, embodying the raw, unrestrained forces of nature and the hidden terrors of familial trauma. While the film’s lore builds a tangible tension, there seems to be a rather abrupt escalation towards its climax, which risks overshadowing the slow-burn suspense that precedes it.
From a thematic standpoint, "Antlers" grapples with difficult subjects, weaving a narrative about the cyclical nature of trauma and how it manifests both physically and psychologically. Lucas’s character typifies the heart of the story, exemplifying how familial dynamics are disrupted by the descent into madness and violence. The film effectively portrays Lucas’s isolation, contrasting the collective evil of the creatures in the shadows with the real monsters that dwell within families.
However, one might argue that the film leans heavily on conventional horror tropes and visual clichés. While imbalance in pacing is a noted flaw, instances of horror film clichés—such as the mysterious woods, haunting visions, and the seemingly inevitable confrontation with evil—can occasionally detract from the true emotional stakes established earlier in the narrative.
The performances by the supporting cast, particularly Jesse Plemons as Paul, provide additional depth to the storyline. Paul serves as both a protector and a cautionary tale, representing the burden of community responsibility amid personal turmoil. The presence of Graham Greene evokes a connection to the local culture and history, grounding the supernatural elements of the story in a larger tapestry of human experience, but is sadly limited in screen time.
As the narrative reaches its climactic conclusion, the horror tropes blend with profound thematic revelations exploring the consequences of unaddressed trauma. While the suspense builds to a visually captivating confrontation, it risks feeling somewhat shoehorned in, as though the monster seen is merely a manifestation of the internalised fears rather than a fully realised antagonist.
Conclusion
"Antlers" is commendable for its atmospheric setting, strong performances, and complex characterisations. It does an impressive job of embedding horror within the context of human relationships and personal demons. However, the film’s pacing inconsistencies and reliance on horror clichés may impede its overall impact, rendering it a compelling, yet flawed, experience.
While it may not leave viewers heart-pounding and breathless, it stands as a stark reminder of the monstrous forms fear and grief can take, embracing horror not just as a genre but as a reflection of humanity’s darkest struggles.
Score: 7/10
