Movie Review: The Empty Man (2020)
Synopsis:
"The Empty Man," directed by David Prior, is a horror-thriller that twists the narrative of urban legends and psychological tension. The film begins with a prologue set in 1995, where a group of young adventurers discovers a mysterious entity in a remote area of Bhutan. A chilling urban myth about a spirit named the Empty Man, who is conjured by reciting a mantra, serves as the film’s cornerstone. The story then shifts several years into the future to a suburban town where P.M. Emmerich, a former cop turned private investigator, is called in to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a local teenager, Amanda. As Emmerich delves deeper, he becomes entangled in a series of terrifying events that link the disappearance to a cult-like society obsessed with the Empty Man.
The narrative unfolds as Emmerich meets Amanda’s friends, who are also becoming wrapped up in disturbing events surrounding the Empty Man cult. The film cleverly uses the trope of the unreliable narrator, leading Emmerich to question both the nature of reality and his own sanity. As he uncovers the truth behind the urban legend and its effects on the individuals caught in its web, viewers are taken on a disorientating journey through fear, existential dread, and existentialism. With dark, atmospheric cinematography, the film juxtaposes the protagonist’s inner turmoil with the overwhelming horror of the supernatural.
Cast:
- James Badge Dale as P.M. Emmerich
- Sasha Lane as Deedra
- Stephen Root as the Detective
- Joey King as Amanda
- Ronen Rubinstein as Gabriel
- Evan Jonigkeit as the Cult Leader
- Rebecca Rittenhouse as the Young Mother
- Michael B. Williams as Benjamin
- Caitlin Stasey as the Cult Member
Review:
"The Empty Man" is both an ambitious and ambitious horror film that dares to merge multiple genres into its storytelling. David Prior’s debut feature film brims with palpable atmosphere and convincingly unsettling sequences, yet it does not settle for just being another horror flick—the essence of the film probes far deeper into themes of existentialism and the psychological impact of belief.
From the outset, the film’s prologue sets an enigmatic tone, introducing viewers to a world steeped in folklore and fear. As the situation unfolds in the remote mountains of Bhutan, we are given a foreboding sense of an ancient evil that will reverberate throughout the narrative. The segment serves as a mini horror film in itself, replete with unsettling visuals and an unnerving soundscape that grips the audience with fear right from the start. The direction and cinematography excel in creating an aura of dread that lingers as the story transitions into the contemporary setting of suburban America.
P.M. Emmerich, expertly portrayed by James Badge Dale, is an intriguing protagonist. A troubled former police officer, Emmerich is haunted by the loss of his wife and wrestling with his own demons. Dale gives a nuanced performance, embodying a character in moral and psychological decline as he grapples with the implications of pursuing his investigation into the cult behind the Empty Man. The character’s despair and anguish resonate deeply, adding a layer of complexity to the otherwise straightforward horror narrative.
Sasha Lane, cast as Deedra, plays a pivotal role, guiding Emmerich deeper into the labyrinth of cult beliefs surrounding the Empty Man myth. Her performance is compelling, capturing the vulnerability and fearlessness of a woman who has seen too much but is still determined to seek out the truth. The dynamic between Emmerich and Deedra is intriguing, as they both confront emotional scars that tether them to their motivations. This lingering connection adds depth, allowing viewers to engage with their plight.
The performances from the supporting cast complement the film’s overall tone. Notably, Joey King as Amanda—the young woman at the centre of the mystery—gives a haunting performance, successfully embodying the terror and confusion that her character undergoes as events spiral out of control. Additionally, Stephen Root, known for his versatility, creates an air of credence as the beleaguered detective. The cult members, particularly Evan Jonigkeit as the charismatic leader, contribute to the film’s tone, portraying varying degrees of madness and fanaticism that invoke both intrigue and fear.
While the film boasts strong performances and an atmospheric design, it often feels disjointed, especially in its pacing. Clocking in at over two hours, "The Empty Man" is a lengthy experience, and at times it seems to meander without a clear direction. While some may find this similarity to dread-inducing slow-burn cinema effective, others might consider it excessive, causing moments of tedium that detract from the overall impact of the horror elements.
The film’s mythology is both a strength and a potential flaw—its ambition to weave multiple layers of legend, philosophy, and existential crises can appear convoluted, especially during the more abstract moments. For a horror film, there is a surprising emphasis on dialogue and exploration of existential themes rather than relying solely on jump scares or gore. This thematic decision is admirable but may lead casual horror fans to expect a different tone than what is delivered.
The cinematography by Parker Posey, paired with sound design, creates an absolutely haunting atmosphere that captures both the psychological strife of the characters and the eerie nature of the Empty Man mythos. Each frame is meticulously crafted, contributing to the film’s unsettling tension, and amplifying the growing sense of dread. Certain sequences—especially those showcasing the cult’s rituals—are striking visually and thematically resonate with the narrative, leaving indelible impressions long after the film’s conclusion.
In addition to its stylistic choices, the score by the duo of The Newton Brothers heightens the film’s emotive qualities. It encapsulates a sense of inevitability and darkness, blending seamlessly into the unfolding terror. The chilling and ethereal soundscape furthers the unsettling atmosphere, enhancing the psychological horror elements of the plot.
Although the film may take time to reach significant climaxes, when it does, it delivers psychological mind-bending moments that linger. Subsequent revelations intentionally confuse the viewer and unearth the true depth of horror lurking around every corner. There’s a philosophical inquiry that challenges the notion of belief—how belief can both protect and destroy, leading to a profoundisation of horror that transcends mere surface scares.
Conclusion:
Overall, "The Empty Man" is a film that ambitiously straddles the line between horror and psychological thriller, quickening pulses while simultaneously inviting introspection. Its captivating performances, intricate mythology, and atmospheric design allow it to be more than just a traditional horror film. That being said, its length and the complexity of its narrative structure may render it less palatable for a mainstream audience seeking conventional horror experiences. It is precisely this ambition, however, that makes the film thought-provoking and resonant for those willing to embrace its density. David Prior has crafted a complex tale that lingers in the mind well after viewing, resulting in a unique cinematic experience.
While the film has its pacing issues, its strengths—layered storytelling, strong performances, and an unsettling atmosphere—make it worth the investment of time and thought.
Score: 8/10
