Movie Review: The Resort (2021)
Synopsis
The Resort (2021) is a horror-thriller that revolves around a group of friends who embark on a holiday to a remote resort that holds dark secrets. The story unfolds when the protagonists, seeking adventure and a break from their everyday lives, arrive at the picturesque locale called Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. However, as they delve deeper into the beauty of their surroundings, they unearth a horrifying legend surrounding the resort—a tale of a mysterious disappearance that took place decades ago.
The group soon discovers that they are not merely enjoying a vacation; they have unwittingly stumbled into a web of supernatural occurrences stemming from the unresolved mystery of a young woman who vanished without a trace. As strange incidents begin to plague their stay, tensions rise, and the bonds of friendship are tested. Each character must confront not only the enigmatic forces at play but also their own fears and relationships as they vie to escape the terror that lurks within the resort’s walls.
Despite the scenic beauty around them, the friends are unable to escape the ominous threat, which forces them to face their darker selves and grapple with the possibility that they may not all come out alive.
Cast
- Brittany Curran as Lexi
- Kyle Allen as Sam
- Michael Vlamis as Chris
- Katherine McNamara as Emma
- Gustavo Gomez as David
- Lindsay Wagner as the caretaker
- Kerry Knuppe as Lila
Review
The Resort was directed by Taylor Chien, who also penned the screenplay, crafting a narrative that is both thrilling and soulful. The beautifully shot landscapes of Aitutaki are juxtaposed with the increasingly sinister atmosphere that belies the resort’s façade, creating a compelling visual contrast that serves the story well. As the plot progresses, it becomes apparent that Chien is not merely relying on the haunting surroundings to elicit fear; he weaves a tale that compels the viewer to ponder the motivations and the past of each character.
The performances throughout the film are commendable, with Brittany Curran delivering a particularly poignant portrayal of Lexi. She brings depth and nuance to her character, drawing the audience into her emotional turmoil as the events unfold. Curran’s chemistry with Kyle Allen, who plays Sam, is genuine and relatable, providing an emotional anchor as their relationship is tested by the unfolding horror.
Allen embodies the role of the protective friend with sincerity, and it’s his character who often tries to maintain a sense of rationality amid the chaos that surrounds them. As events spiral out of control, his character’s growing desperation becomes palpable, adding layers to his performance.
Michael Vlamis’s portrayal of Chris provides comic relief amid the tension, yet even his character is not immune to the horrors that begin to reveal themselves. The juxtaposition of humour with the rising dread illustrates the fine line between normalcy and chaos, effectively highlighting the vulnerability that all the characters share.
Katherine McNamara’s Emma emerges as a strong presence in the group, showcasing a determination and bravery as the horror intensifies. McNamara exhibits both strength and vulnerability, and her performance resonates, particularly as she attempts to decipher the mystery surrounding the resort.
Meanwhile, Lindsay Wagner brings gravitas to her role as the enigmatic caretaker. Her presence heightens the film’s tension, as she embodies a mix of eerie wisdom and foreboding, while Kerry Knuppe’s portrayal of Lila offers an unsettling contrast to the group’s camaraderie—her character is shrouded in an air of otherworldliness that evokes curiosity and dread in equal measure.
The cinematography in The Resort is striking, with every frame composed to exploit the resort’s beauty while simultaneously reinforcing its underlying horror. The lush landscapes of Aitutaki are masterfully exploited to craft a sense of isolation and entrapment. The cinematographer utilises wide shots to juxtapose the group’s smallness against the vastness of nature, effectively conveying a sense of impending danger that is ever-present.
The film’s score deserves special mention, as it successfully establishes an ominous tone that permeates each interaction and intensifies during moments of terror. The sound design adds to the psychological tension, with whispers and distant sounds cleverly enhancing the overall atmosphere of suspense. It is in these unsettling auditory cues that the horror of the film is amplified, subtly signalling the presence of something sinister lurking within the resort.
However, The Resort is not without its pitfalls. Throughout the narrative, some character arcs feel underdeveloped, leaving portions of the group dynamic wanting more depth. The motivations driving the characters sometimes seem lost in the midst of the unfolding chaos, making it difficult for viewers to fully engage with each individual’s plight. In a genre where character investment is paramount, this element is somewhat regrettable.
Moreover, while the film is effective in building tension, certain cliched horror tropes surface that may detract from the overall originality of the plot. The reliance on familiar devices might alienate audiences seeking innovation within the genre. Nevertheless, the film manages to sustain a sense of intrigue and foreboding that occasionally compensates for this.
The pacing starts strong, but as the narrative unfolds, it can feel somewhat uneven, particularly towards the latter half when the resolution approaches. The climactic moments, while charged with suspense, might leave some seeking a more coherent resolution to the mysteries laid out throughout the film. The balance between resolution and ambiguity is tricky to navigate in horror, and The Resort occasionally skews too far towards the latter, leaving viewers with lingering questions that may or may not be satisfactorily addressed.
Despite these shortcomings, The Resort ultimately delivers a chilling experience that resonates beyond its runtime. It grapples with themes of friendship, the past, and confronting fears, themes that elevate it above mere genre fare. As the characters navigate the horror of their surroundings, they also embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, ultimately reflecting on their relationships and personal growth.
Conclusion
The Resort is a commendable addition to the canon of contemporary horror, effectively blending breathtaking vistas with an unsettling narrative. The strong performances, particularly from Curran and Allen, alongside a haunting score and striking cinematography, create an atmosphere ripe with tension and dread. While the movie occasionally falls prey to genre clichés and uneven pacing, it remains an engaging thriller that successfully explores the complexities of human relationships in the face of horror.
Overall, The Resort achieves a balance between beautiful cinematography and unravelling dreadful mysteries. It may not satisfy every horror aficionado’s cravings, but it offers enough intrigue and emotion to keep audiences invested throughout.
Score: 7/10
