The Unholy (2021) – Movie Review
Synopsis
"The Unholy" is a supernatural horror film directed by Evan Spiliotopoulos, based on James Herbert’s novel "Shrine." The story centres around a young girl named Alice (played by Cricket Brown) who, after a visitation from the Virgin Mary, becomes mysteriously able to heal the sick and perform miracles. Her newfound abilities attract media attention, as she is hailed as a divine miracle worker. However, these miracles come with a sinister undertone, leading to horror and chaos within the small town of Banfield.
As news of Alice’s miraculous powers spreads, a disgraced journalist, Gerry Fenn (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), arrives to cover the story and revitalise his career. Initially sceptical of the events unfolding, Gerry begins documenting Alice’s miraculous activities. However, things take a nightmarish turn as a series of tragic events unfold, revealing that Alice’s connection to the divine is far more malevolent than anyone could have anticipated. With the help of a local priest (William Sadler) and a nun (Cary Elwes), Gerry finds himself entwined in a battle against dark forces trying to claim Alice’s soul.
The film explores themes of faith, scepticism, and the often fine line between good and evil, leading to a theatrical climax that combines elements of horror and religion in unsettling yet compelling ways.
Cast List
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Gerry Fenn
- Cricket Brown as Alice
- William Sadler as Father Hagan
- Cary Elwes as Bishop Marcus
- Spot Owen as Frank
- Adrian Pasdar as the local sheriff
- Katie Aselton as a news team reporter
Review
"The Unholy" exists in a tumultuous landscape filled with horror films that either shine or fade quietly into obscurity. At first glance, one might expect another standard horror film that exploits religious themes in a predictable manner, yet Evan Spiliotopoulos challenges this expectation. The film strives to carve its own niche within the genre, giving audiences a blend of supernatural elements layered with emotional complexity.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers a commendable performance as the cynical journalist Gerry Fenn, whose career has reached a low point. Morgan’s portrayal successfully captures Gerry’s internal struggle as he oscillates between his rational scepticism and the unnerving reality of the happenings in Banfield. His character arc mirrors the audience’s journey towards understanding the ambiguous nature of faith, something Spiliotopoulos crafts effectively throughout the film.
Cricket Brown shines as Alice, the innocent girl who finds herself at the centre of a horrific storm. Brown embodies a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength, making Alice’s transformation from a meek child to a vessel of dark power both compelling and chilling. Her performance evokes sympathy, pulling viewers into the moral dilemmas surrounding her character. The emotional burden of her power and its origins creates a multifaceted portrayal that adds depth to the narrative.
Supporting characters, notably Father Hagan (William Sadler) and Bishop Marcus (Cary Elwes), play pivotal roles in unfolding the theological and moral implications of the occurrences in Banfield. Sadler’s performance as Father Hagan displays a weathered wisdom, navigating the line between faith and the unknown with a palpable sense of dread. Meanwhile, Elwes operates as a more authoritative figure, representing the church’s response to the events, which adds layers to the theological themes explored in the film.
Spiliotopoulos’s direction shines in his ability to maintain an eerie atmosphere throughout the piece. The film’s cinematography, crafted by Daniel Pearl, creates a haunting visual aesthetic, enhancing the emotional weight of the story. The dimly lit settings and foreboding landscapes lend themselves well to the horror genre, enveloping the audience in a sense of dread. Spectacular special effects employed during the supernatural sequences further amplify the film’s tension, making the horror feel both visceral and real.
Despite these commendable performances and atmospheric direction, "The Unholy" is not without its flaws. The film can sometimes succumb to clichéd horror tropes, relying on jump scares that may seem predictable in an oversaturated genre. Certain plot points may come off as formulaic, evoking a sense of deja vu for seasoned horror fans. The blend of supernatural horror with religious overtones, while interesting, may not resonate with all audiences, leading to a divided reception regarding the film’s thematic exploration.
The pacing tends to falter in the mid-section, where the tug-of-war between Gerry’s scepticism and belief becomes repetitive. This stretch of the film feels overly drawn out and could benefit from tighter editing. However, in the final act, the tension builds effectively, culminating in dramatic confrontations that showcase the struggle between light and dark forces. The emotional stakes are raised, providing a satisfying, if disturbing, climax that draws upon the established themes.
Another area of critique lies within the film’s moral messaging. "The Unholy" operates on a dichotomy of faith and scepticism, ultimately leaning towards a cautionary tale of how blind belief can lead to tragic consequences. However, the execution may feel heavy-handed at times, undermining some of the nuance present in the character development. The moral takeaway of the film, though profound in concept, risks being overshadowed by the horror elements that drive the plot.
Ultimately, "The Unholy" makes a strong case for faith-based horror films, taking audiences on a harrowing journey that taps into deeply rooted fears and theological questions. It showcases solid performances, a haunting atmosphere, and a storyline ripe with potential. However, the film also exhibits the pitfalls common to the genre, including predictable jump scares and pacing issues.
In conclusion, while "The Unholy" may not rise to the level of genre-defining horror, it provides an entertaining experience, particularly for those inclined towards supernatural narratives steeped in religious overtones. Through its blend of emotional depth and unsettling horror, it offers enough intrigue to warrant a viewing.
Score: 7/10
