Movie Review: The Pyramid (2014)
Synopsis
Released in 2014, "The Pyramid" is a found-footage horror film directed by Grégory Levasseur, marking his directorial debut after co-writing several films with Alexandre Aja. The narrative revolves around a team of archaeologists who stumble upon a mysterious and ancient pyramid buried in the Egyptian desert, exploring its maze-like interiors in search of historical secrets. However, their expedition quickly turns into a nightmarish struggle for survival as they encounter an unseen malevolent force lurking within the darkened corridors, bound to protect the sinister ancient relics from intruders.
The main plot follows a group of researchers: former Navy officer and archaeologist Dr. Holden (James Buckley), his colleague and girlfriend (Christa Campbell), and an ambitious, thrill-seeking journalist named Sunni (Ashley Hinshaw) along with her cameraman. As they delve deeper into the pyramid, the group becomes separated, facing claustrophobia, hallucinations, and intense dread, leading to shocking revelations about the structure’s purpose and the sinister entities it harbours.
Cast
- Ashley Hinshaw as Sunni
- James Buckley as Dr. Holden
- Christa Campbell as the unnamed archaeologist
- Daniel Amerman as a team member
- Amir K as the Egyptian guide
- Sahar Bibiyan as a pyramid creature (uncredited)
- Gonzalo Menéndez as Dr. Novak
- Cavan Canavan as a team member
Review
"The Pyramid" opens with an intriguing premise, one that evokes both curiosity and dread. The team of archaeologists, enthusiastic about the prospect of unearthing secrets from the past, serves as a relatable conduit for the audience; who wouldn’t want to explore hidden wonders? However, as the film transitions into horror territory, it falters in its execution, ultimately yielding mixed results.
One of the film’s primary strengths lies in its atmospheric tension. The cinematography by Maxime Alexandre brilliantly captures the claustrophobic and eerie essence of the pyramid’s interior. The narrow passageways and ominous shadows create an unsettling environment filled with uncertainty, amplifying the inherent dread that the characters experience. The decision to shoot in a found-footage style, primarily from Sunni’s camera perspective, adds a layer of immersion to the action, allowing the audience to feel the panic and desperation as the characters become increasingly trapped not only physically but psychologically.
However, despite its potent atmosphere, "The Pyramid" falls significantly short in character development. The protagonists are often generic, lacking depth and unique personalities. For instance, Sunni, while intended to be relatable, often comes off as overly naive and ill-prepared for the dangers they face. The ensuing chaos does little to flesh out their characters further; their responses to the terror often feel scripted rather than real. Consequently, when the stakes rise, and lives hang in the balance, the emotional weight of their predicaments fails to resonate.
Moreover, the plot suffers from pacing issues. The initial build-up is captivating, inviting the viewer to ponder the pyramid’s secrets; nevertheless, it rapidly deteriorates into clichéd horror tropes. The film attempts to incorporate jump scares and unexpected twists, yet they often feel tacked on rather than organically evolved. The tension that is so carefully crafted in the early stages is undermined by the formulaic unevenness of the latter half.
The mythology behind the pyramid and the entities within remains vaguely defined throughout most of the film. While mystery can frequently serve horror narratives effectively, the lack of coherent exposition here leaves audiences with more confusion than intrigue. Rather than enticing the viewers with revelations about the ancient forces at play, the film offers a series of unfulfilling scares that feel more preposterous than frightening. The final act descends into chaos, with illogical sequences that break the immersion crafted in earlier scenes.
The performances within the film are commendable yet overshadowed by the uneven script. Ashley Hinshaw, as Sunni, tries to inject life into her character, navigating the terror with a mix of vulnerability and courage. James Buckley also showcases strong moments, but ultimately, the character arcs feel unfulfilled. Supporting roles are largely forgettable, appearing more as plot devices rather than integral parts of the narrative.
When talking about the sound design and score, the ambient noises and sound effects indeed contribute to the film’s overall tension. Subtle echoes, the sound of shifting sands, and unsettling whispers immerse the audience into the horror of the pyramid. However, while these components add to the film’s moodiness, they cannot compensate for its narrative weaknesses.
In conclusion, "The Pyramid" possesses an engaging premise rich in possibility, demonstrating that the aesthetic and atmosphere can indeed be a strong suit. The claustrophobic tension of an ancient Egyptian tomb should elicit primal fear and curiosity. Unfortunately, the film is heavily undermined by its underdeveloped characters, choppy pacing, and a confusing plot that fails to deliver when it matters most. For fans of found-footage horror, "The Pyramid" may offer a few frights, yet it ultimately falls prey to the very clichés that it sought to escape.
Rating
Score: 5/10
In a genre that thrives on innovation, "The Pyramid" does little to elevate itself above standard horror fare, leaving viewers with a sense of missed opportunity rather than true terror. The film captures the essence of mystery and fear, but ultimately crumbles under the weight of its own execution.
