Movie Review: The Visit (2015)
Synopsis
M. Night Shyamalan’s "The Visit" is a found footage horror-comedy that intricately weaves themes of family dynamics, trust, and the uncanny nature of human behaviour. The story revolves around two siblings, Becca and Tyler, who are sent to spend a week with their estranged grandparents, whom they have never met, in rural Pennsylvania. Their mother, a single parent, attempts to reconnect with her own parents, prompting her children to embark on this trip.
From the outset, Becca, an aspiring filmmaker, decides to document their visit, which takes on an unsettling tone as the children encounter strange and increasingly unnerving behaviour from their grandparents, played by Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie. As the visit progresses, what initially appears as mere quirks of the elderly transforms into something far more sinister. The children begin to uncover dark secrets about their grandparents, leading to a shocking revelation that threatens their lives. Tension mounts as the plot unfolds, culminating in a spine-chilling climax that typifies Shyamalan’s penchant for the unexpected.
Actors and Their Characters
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Olivia DeJonge as Becca: The older sibling who harbours aspirations of becoming a filmmaker. She has a strong sense of responsibility towards her younger brother and is dedicated to capturing their unusual experience.
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Ed Oxenbould as Tyler: Becca’s younger brother, who is light-hearted and possesses a talent for rap. His youthful exuberance contrasts starkly with the dark events that unfold.
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Deanna Dunagan as Grandma: The children’s estranged grandmother who displays increasingly erratic behaviour, leaving viewers unsettled and questioning her true nature.
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Peter McRobbie as Grandpa: The children’s grandfather who initially appears charming but gradually reveals a more frightening and erratic side.
- Kathryn Hahn as Mom: The siblings’ single mother, whose complex backstory with her parents fuels the emotional stakes of the film.
Review
M. Night Shyamalan has often drawn mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike, especially in the years following his early career successes with films like "The Sixth Sense" and "Unbreakable". With "The Visit", he marks an interesting comeback by returning to the low-budget roots of his early films. The choice to shoot in the found footage style serves the narrative well, providing an immersive and intimate perspective into the lives of the characters, while heightening the suspense.
The film balances humour and horror adeptly, showcasing Shyamalan’s skill in blending genres. The laughter elicited by Tyler’s comedic antics and Becca’s dry humour serves as a counterpoint to the underlying dread that looms over the film. This duality makes the moments of tension feel even more pronounced, drawing viewers into the emotional lives of the characters while simultaneously unsettling them with the threat of danger lurking nearby.
The acting prowess exhibited by the young leads, DeJonge and Oxenbould, is one of the highlights of the film. They manage to ground the narrative with an authenticity that resonates with audiences. Their relationship is relatable, filled with genuine sibling affection and banter, allowing viewers to invest emotionally in their plight. The moments of levity are well-placed, contrasting the impending terror and ensuring that the audience remains engaged.
Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie deliver chilling performances as the unnerving grandparents. Dunagan, in particular, embodies the disquieting mix of warmth and unsettling creepiness that defines her character. The voice and mannerisms she adopts evoke a sense of nostalgic innocence, which becomes increasingly distorted as the plot thickens. McRobbie complements her performance well, projecting a façade of benignity that gradually peels away to reveal the horror beneath.
One of the most commendable aspects of the film is Shyamalan’s ability to create atmosphere and tension without relying heavily on gore or overt violence. Instead, he plays on the primal fears associated with familial relationships and trust, subtly cultivating a sense of dread. The cinematography enhances this, with tight framing that magnifies the characters’ expressions and reactions, emphasizing the mounting terror as the children’s reality shifts into nightmarish territory.
A notable theme throughout "The Visit" is the critique of generational differences and the complexities of familial ties. As the siblings grapple with their feelings towards their estranged grandparents, the film explores how familial bonds can become twisted and fraught with conflict, especially in the face of childhood trauma and abandonment. This thematic depth adds an emotional layer that elevates the film above standard horror fare and invites deeper reflection.
However, "The Visit" is not without its flaws. The pacing feels uneven at times, with certain sequences dragging on longer than necessary, which occasionally dilutes the tension Shyamalan builds so effectively elsewhere. Additionally, the ending, while shocking, might not satisfy all viewers; some may find it abrupt or implausible, lacking the subtlety characteristic of Shyamalan’s earlier works.
Despite this, the film achieves a compelling amalgamation of humour and horror, ensuring that the audience remains entertained throughout its runtime. Shyamalan’s decision to keep the budget modest allows for creativity to flourish, showcasing his strengths in storytelling without the distracting excesses of more commercially driven productions.
The Visit is ultimately a refreshing return to form for M. Night Shyamalan, highlighting his ability to blend genres while delivering a chilling experience. It engages both the mind and the emotions, thought-provoking as well as terrifying. Its exploration of family, trust, and the uncanny serves as a vehicle for an unpredictable narrative that keeps audiences guessing until the final moments.
In conclusion, "The Visit" is a well-crafted film that balances genuine suspense with moments of levity, tethered by strong performances from its cast. While it may not reach the heights of Shyamalan’s most iconic works, it is nonetheless an intriguing journey that showcases his distinctive style and narrative prowess.
Score: 7.5/10
While far from perfect, "The Visit" is a commendable addition to Shyamalan’s filmography, demonstrating his ability to blend humour and horror effectively. It’s a must-watch for both fans and newcomers looking for an engaging horror experience with a unique twist.