30 reviews
Better Leave this one alone
The acting and some of the visuals were nice, but that didn't save this movie. The story is one of the silliest i have seen in years. And there wasn't any tension at all.
Having watched the trailer, i allready expected this to be a bit boring.
But since i like (extreme) metal i gave it a go anyway for the possible fun black metal bits. But there was nothing.
Not even one black metal song playing somewhere in the blackground.. It would have made the movie just a bit better.
Why Gaahl (a black metal musician) made a cameo appearance in this mess will allways be a question, until someone asks him that is.
Better Leave this movie alone.
Having watched the trailer, i allready expected this to be a bit boring.
But since i like (extreme) metal i gave it a go anyway for the possible fun black metal bits. But there was nothing.
Not even one black metal song playing somewhere in the blackground.. It would have made the movie just a bit better.
Why Gaahl (a black metal musician) made a cameo appearance in this mess will allways be a question, until someone asks him that is.
Better Leave this movie alone.
- mercyfulfate-84-708656
- Feb 14, 2023
- Permalink
Decent Modern Gothic Film from Norway
This is a movie that I decided on when looking for a 2023 release in horror for Journey with a Cinephile: A Horror Movie podcast. There was one in the theater but at times that I couldn't make work so this was selected. I'll be honest, I came in not knowing much aside from the genre and that it fit. I did read a bit of the synopsis ahead of watching.
Synopsis: a young woman tries to find her origins after having been abandoned at a cemetery wrapped in a cloth with satanic symbols, but as she gets closer to answers, a malevolent spirit is telling her to leave.
We start this off with the beginning of the synopsis. There is a 911 call and the police come to this cemetery. They find a baby wrapped in the cloth. It then shifts to our present day as this baby has grown up to be Hunter White (Alicia von Rittberg). She was adopted by Raylan (Clarence Smith). His wife has passed away so it is just them. There are also two boys, but they're older, having moved away to start their own families.
Hunter is curious about her past. She is supposed to be heading off to Georgetown to start school, but instead she goes to Norway to find out about her biological parents. She has papers and the article from the newspaper about her being found. She gets her wires crossed and it takes finagling to get into a room. There is also a presence following her. It sets her on the path to what she is looking for.
This leads her to Cecilia (Ellen Dorrit Petersen). She is the lead singer of a band and it seems like back in the day, she was in a metal group. She isn't Hunter's mother. Her father was Kristian (Morten Holst) who was in the band and he was dating Anna. She became pregnant and that's where it takes a dark turn. Anna left the baby and this upset Kristian. He supposedly burned her alive inside of a church. This man then checked himself in a mental hospital. Hunter visits him, but it doesn't net any more information than she had prior.
It is through Cecilia that she learns more about her family. They are wealthy and highly religious. She is directed to where they live. This leads her to Lillian Norheim (Ragnhild Gudbrandsen). She would be her aunt. It is from here she meets her uncle, Olav (Gerald Pettersen), their son and her cousin of Stian (Herman Tømmeraas). She also gets to meet her grandfather, Torstein (Stig R. Amdam). He's happy she sought them out but is also stern.
When she asks questions about her mother, things get shut down. Hunter asks about her diary and Torstein won't hear anything of it. Stian wants to help, but in his own way. There is a dark secret to this family and this entity that is following Hunter might not be what she thinks it is.
That is where I'll leave my recap and introduction to the characters. Where I want to start is that having now watched this and reflecting on it, this feels like a modern gothic film that is set in Norway. If you'd tell me that this is based on a Bronte sisters' story, I wouldn't be shocked. What I'm getting at here is that the ghosts or entities that are haunting Hunter might not be evil and that people could be harboring darkness. In today's world of art, this tends to go against norms. That is something I can appreciate.
Now that I've said that I like the basic story that we get here. Hunter is adopted and her being found is an odd circumstance. I'm not sure if this is established or not as to how she originally learns about where and how she was found as a baby. That would make me wonder what the heck as well. She was found in a cemetery and she was wrapped in cloth with Satanic symbols on it. There isn't much to go on, outside of a box that her father has in the attic. She does a DNA test that leads her to Norway. When she arrives there, she doesn't know what her next move is and I like that this entity nudges her. It works in the framework of the story.
Where I'll then shift is that her father was in a Norwegian death metal band. I love this idea since they were thought to be anti-Christian and Satanists. That would explain why she was found in the blanket. What is interesting is that she was found wearing an upside cross. She assumes that it goes with the symbols. The more she learns about her culture, the more she becomes familiar with Norse mythology. This is an icon important to these pagan beliefs. That was good to break the pre-conceived notion. Then getting to know Cecilia and Kristian, just because they were in this band, didn't make them evil. There is the idea though that Christians and those with strict beliefs are the true villains. Where I like this, I also think that it is getting overplayed as well.
There is one last bit here that I want to get into. The more that Hunter learns of her family, she discovers a history where the women in this family go crazy. This happened to a few before her. I was then wondering if she was going crazy with this entity that she was seeing. How this is used works, once again going back to the gothic elements. There was a reveal here that I didn't necessarily love. I won't spoil what it is. What I will say is that this explores toxic masculinity through Torstein and Stian. That I appreciated.
I'm then going to shift to filmmaking. I think that this is well-made. We do good things with the cinematography. Tension is built from the fact that Hunter's father doesn't know where she is. If anything happens to her, she is lost forever. There is an interesting parallel to her being dropped off in the cemetery to her position as an adult. What I have a problem with is that outside of that, this struggles to build tension and fully keep my interest. I like what it explores and where it goes, but I wanted a bit more to be invested. The effects we get are also solid. They don't use a lot and I'm glad they didn't go heavy CGI there. This is less of a ghostly than what I expected early on so I appreciate that. I'd say a tamer version of Crimson Peak in the fact that we don't see ghosts nearly as much here. Other than that, the soundtrack fit what was needed.
All that is left then is the acting. I thought that von Rittberg was a solid lead. She has a charm about her and I'm curious to see where she goes. I also don't want to see bad things happen to her so that works. Tømmeraas on the other hand is a jerk and I disliked him from the beginning. There is an arrogance about him that comes from what I'm guessing is being 'old money'. He feels slighted about everything. Amdam was fitting an older version who has more of a standing. He is imposing with his screen presence. I'd then say that Petersen, Holst, Gudbrandsen, Smith, Maria Alm Norell, Pettersen and the rest of the cast rounded this out for what was needed.
In conclusion, this is a movie that has interesting elements to it. I'm not sure if it sticks the landing in execution though. We get a modern gothic story. We have Hunter who was abandoned as a baby looking for her family. There is a supernatural presence guiding her. It might be evil and it might not. It explores humanity and how outward appearance can hide beliefs that we have inside. This is acted well. The filmmaking are also solid. The problem is just that it doesn't keep me invested until the end. Not a bad one to check out, but I wouldn't rush to see this unfortunately.
My Rating: 6 out of 10.
Synopsis: a young woman tries to find her origins after having been abandoned at a cemetery wrapped in a cloth with satanic symbols, but as she gets closer to answers, a malevolent spirit is telling her to leave.
We start this off with the beginning of the synopsis. There is a 911 call and the police come to this cemetery. They find a baby wrapped in the cloth. It then shifts to our present day as this baby has grown up to be Hunter White (Alicia von Rittberg). She was adopted by Raylan (Clarence Smith). His wife has passed away so it is just them. There are also two boys, but they're older, having moved away to start their own families.
Hunter is curious about her past. She is supposed to be heading off to Georgetown to start school, but instead she goes to Norway to find out about her biological parents. She has papers and the article from the newspaper about her being found. She gets her wires crossed and it takes finagling to get into a room. There is also a presence following her. It sets her on the path to what she is looking for.
This leads her to Cecilia (Ellen Dorrit Petersen). She is the lead singer of a band and it seems like back in the day, she was in a metal group. She isn't Hunter's mother. Her father was Kristian (Morten Holst) who was in the band and he was dating Anna. She became pregnant and that's where it takes a dark turn. Anna left the baby and this upset Kristian. He supposedly burned her alive inside of a church. This man then checked himself in a mental hospital. Hunter visits him, but it doesn't net any more information than she had prior.
It is through Cecilia that she learns more about her family. They are wealthy and highly religious. She is directed to where they live. This leads her to Lillian Norheim (Ragnhild Gudbrandsen). She would be her aunt. It is from here she meets her uncle, Olav (Gerald Pettersen), their son and her cousin of Stian (Herman Tømmeraas). She also gets to meet her grandfather, Torstein (Stig R. Amdam). He's happy she sought them out but is also stern.
When she asks questions about her mother, things get shut down. Hunter asks about her diary and Torstein won't hear anything of it. Stian wants to help, but in his own way. There is a dark secret to this family and this entity that is following Hunter might not be what she thinks it is.
That is where I'll leave my recap and introduction to the characters. Where I want to start is that having now watched this and reflecting on it, this feels like a modern gothic film that is set in Norway. If you'd tell me that this is based on a Bronte sisters' story, I wouldn't be shocked. What I'm getting at here is that the ghosts or entities that are haunting Hunter might not be evil and that people could be harboring darkness. In today's world of art, this tends to go against norms. That is something I can appreciate.
Now that I've said that I like the basic story that we get here. Hunter is adopted and her being found is an odd circumstance. I'm not sure if this is established or not as to how she originally learns about where and how she was found as a baby. That would make me wonder what the heck as well. She was found in a cemetery and she was wrapped in cloth with Satanic symbols on it. There isn't much to go on, outside of a box that her father has in the attic. She does a DNA test that leads her to Norway. When she arrives there, she doesn't know what her next move is and I like that this entity nudges her. It works in the framework of the story.
Where I'll then shift is that her father was in a Norwegian death metal band. I love this idea since they were thought to be anti-Christian and Satanists. That would explain why she was found in the blanket. What is interesting is that she was found wearing an upside cross. She assumes that it goes with the symbols. The more she learns about her culture, the more she becomes familiar with Norse mythology. This is an icon important to these pagan beliefs. That was good to break the pre-conceived notion. Then getting to know Cecilia and Kristian, just because they were in this band, didn't make them evil. There is the idea though that Christians and those with strict beliefs are the true villains. Where I like this, I also think that it is getting overplayed as well.
There is one last bit here that I want to get into. The more that Hunter learns of her family, she discovers a history where the women in this family go crazy. This happened to a few before her. I was then wondering if she was going crazy with this entity that she was seeing. How this is used works, once again going back to the gothic elements. There was a reveal here that I didn't necessarily love. I won't spoil what it is. What I will say is that this explores toxic masculinity through Torstein and Stian. That I appreciated.
I'm then going to shift to filmmaking. I think that this is well-made. We do good things with the cinematography. Tension is built from the fact that Hunter's father doesn't know where she is. If anything happens to her, she is lost forever. There is an interesting parallel to her being dropped off in the cemetery to her position as an adult. What I have a problem with is that outside of that, this struggles to build tension and fully keep my interest. I like what it explores and where it goes, but I wanted a bit more to be invested. The effects we get are also solid. They don't use a lot and I'm glad they didn't go heavy CGI there. This is less of a ghostly than what I expected early on so I appreciate that. I'd say a tamer version of Crimson Peak in the fact that we don't see ghosts nearly as much here. Other than that, the soundtrack fit what was needed.
All that is left then is the acting. I thought that von Rittberg was a solid lead. She has a charm about her and I'm curious to see where she goes. I also don't want to see bad things happen to her so that works. Tømmeraas on the other hand is a jerk and I disliked him from the beginning. There is an arrogance about him that comes from what I'm guessing is being 'old money'. He feels slighted about everything. Amdam was fitting an older version who has more of a standing. He is imposing with his screen presence. I'd then say that Petersen, Holst, Gudbrandsen, Smith, Maria Alm Norell, Pettersen and the rest of the cast rounded this out for what was needed.
In conclusion, this is a movie that has interesting elements to it. I'm not sure if it sticks the landing in execution though. We get a modern gothic story. We have Hunter who was abandoned as a baby looking for her family. There is a supernatural presence guiding her. It might be evil and it might not. It explores humanity and how outward appearance can hide beliefs that we have inside. This is acted well. The filmmaking are also solid. The problem is just that it doesn't keep me invested until the end. Not a bad one to check out, but I wouldn't rush to see this unfortunately.
My Rating: 6 out of 10.
- Reviews_of_the_Dead
- Jul 9, 2023
- Permalink
This is a disappointing addition to the horror genre that's not really worth your time
Leave (2022) is a Norwegian movie that was released to the US (and added to Shudder) today and tells the tale of an orphaned young lady who tracks her real family back to Norway. She finds her family home, her mothers things including her journal and hears the story of how she became an orphan. As she gets to know her family better she uncovers why her mom was the way she was and why her life may be at risk.
This movie was directed by Alex Herron in his directorial debut and stars Alicia von Rittberg (Fury), Herman Tømmeraas (Ragnarok), Ellen Dorrit Petersen (Blind), Morten Holst (A Royal Affair) and Christine Donlon (Escape Room).
The storyline is fairly cliche, straightforward and unimaginative. There were elements that had potential, but the horror elements relied on human attacks and interactions and just felt like sick people in life more than "horror." The main character was also frustrating at times where when the family gets weird it's time to be out, but of course she wants to stay. I didn't feel the backstory of the mother was as intense or creepy as intended either.
Overall, this is a disappointing addition to the horror genre that's not really worth your time. I would score this a 3.5/10 and recommend skipping it.
This movie was directed by Alex Herron in his directorial debut and stars Alicia von Rittberg (Fury), Herman Tømmeraas (Ragnarok), Ellen Dorrit Petersen (Blind), Morten Holst (A Royal Affair) and Christine Donlon (Escape Room).
The storyline is fairly cliche, straightforward and unimaginative. There were elements that had potential, but the horror elements relied on human attacks and interactions and just felt like sick people in life more than "horror." The main character was also frustrating at times where when the family gets weird it's time to be out, but of course she wants to stay. I didn't feel the backstory of the mother was as intense or creepy as intended either.
Overall, this is a disappointing addition to the horror genre that's not really worth your time. I would score this a 3.5/10 and recommend skipping it.
- kevin_robbins
- Mar 16, 2023
- Permalink
Bad
This movie is terrible. I'm not sure where to even begin. The lead character is annoying and has no redeeming qualities. I am not impressed with the lead actress's acting ability. The decisions made by the lead character make no sense.
The story ? It is barely believable. The sound was off, too; sometimes people were whisper quiet, other times the voices were amplified.
I'm not sure what is going on with Shudder, but, this movie is one of a long line of Shudder originals recently that have been subpar at best.
I give it 3 stars because other than the lead actress, the rest of the actors do a good job. The scenery was also pretty.
Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
The story ? It is barely believable. The sound was off, too; sometimes people were whisper quiet, other times the voices were amplified.
I'm not sure what is going on with Shudder, but, this movie is one of a long line of Shudder originals recently that have been subpar at best.
I give it 3 stars because other than the lead actress, the rest of the actors do a good job. The scenery was also pretty.
Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
- hjennifer-32514
- Mar 21, 2023
- Permalink
Dont waste your money
What a shitty movie. Not a horror movie at all. People left mid movie in the cinema while we watched it, and there was more laughter of how the bad the movie was, that screams of horror. Not a spilt in that cinema got scared during this movie.
First of all, bad acting, with bad English. Much because the actors are Norwegian, And you can hear the Norwegian-English.
I took about 1 hour before something "scary" happened. And the scary seances were so damn bad.
I actually think they could made something better at a high school.
And the theme. They stretched the story so much, and you just waited for something to happened, but it nave came.
Save your money, do not watch.
First of all, bad acting, with bad English. Much because the actors are Norwegian, And you can hear the Norwegian-English.
I took about 1 hour before something "scary" happened. And the scary seances were so damn bad.
I actually think they could made something better at a high school.
And the theme. They stretched the story so much, and you just waited for something to happened, but it nave came.
Save your money, do not watch.
- victornilsen-41529
- Oct 28, 2022
- Permalink
Pretty bad
Went to see this having barely seen the trailer. Man was it pretty bad. In the first ten minutes I realized it had to be a b film.
The acting is awful. The main actress has a terrible American "accent." And there are too many cringy scenes. The dialogue most times is incredibly unnatural. And the writers add in slang attitude lines that a 13 yo would say maybe back in 1998.
The story is incredibly out of focus as well. Somehow she keeps looking for a diary, but where did she even hear about it? And then does she find it? Well I won't spoil that. But there is way too much that doesn't make sense in the story.
The film locations are amazing though. I love how they use a lot of scenic shots of the city and countryside along the way. And the score wasn't horrible. The bedroom scene may have been a bit over glorified though. Lol There are too many poorly lit shots as well where there is too much light coming into only part of the frame. It's distractingly bad.
Overall I didn't care for the movie, but I'm sure some people may think it's fun. So I give it a 2. For the 2 people that actually will think it's great.
The acting is awful. The main actress has a terrible American "accent." And there are too many cringy scenes. The dialogue most times is incredibly unnatural. And the writers add in slang attitude lines that a 13 yo would say maybe back in 1998.
The story is incredibly out of focus as well. Somehow she keeps looking for a diary, but where did she even hear about it? And then does she find it? Well I won't spoil that. But there is way too much that doesn't make sense in the story.
The film locations are amazing though. I love how they use a lot of scenic shots of the city and countryside along the way. And the score wasn't horrible. The bedroom scene may have been a bit over glorified though. Lol There are too many poorly lit shots as well where there is too much light coming into only part of the frame. It's distractingly bad.
Overall I didn't care for the movie, but I'm sure some people may think it's fun. So I give it a 2. For the 2 people that actually will think it's great.
- randyjensen-99359
- Nov 4, 2022
- Permalink
Good rainy day suspense horror
Firstly, this movie ain't as bad as the negative reviews here would have you believe. While it was somewhat predictable in spots and felt like a movie that could have been made in the 80's or 90's, the storyline was still interesting and the actress in the lead role I thought was pretty good. I would have probably enjoyed this more at the Cineplex but, as a streaming movie, it's worthy of at least checking out when you're in the mood for an old-school suspense/horror flick. So, keep an open mind next time you can't seem to find a scary flick in the vast world of streaming horror and at least check out the trailer.
Bland
On a positive note, this was a well made film. It looked great, great shots, good sound... all that jazz. Unfortunately I would have to say that is about all I can say as far as positives go.
I would call this a slow burn, but it didn't even get to a burn... it never even ignited. It was belaboringly slow and nothing of interest or intrigue happened until the very end, I'm talking like the last 1/5th, and even that was meh.
I also think part of the problem was the main actress. She wasn't bad or distracting, she was just incredibly bland. She gave me almost nothing as far as character goes leaving me aloof towards this unrelatable person, walking away feeling like I just watched an entitled wet rag or piece of cardboard.
I don't want to sound like a hater, this isn't a BAD film... it is just incredibly underwhelming lol I hate saying this but for ME it was a bit of a waste of time, probably would not recommend.
I would call this a slow burn, but it didn't even get to a burn... it never even ignited. It was belaboringly slow and nothing of interest or intrigue happened until the very end, I'm talking like the last 1/5th, and even that was meh.
I also think part of the problem was the main actress. She wasn't bad or distracting, she was just incredibly bland. She gave me almost nothing as far as character goes leaving me aloof towards this unrelatable person, walking away feeling like I just watched an entitled wet rag or piece of cardboard.
I don't want to sound like a hater, this isn't a BAD film... it is just incredibly underwhelming lol I hate saying this but for ME it was a bit of a waste of time, probably would not recommend.
- Howling_at_the_Moon_Reviews
- Apr 9, 2023
- Permalink
Great suspense with a twist.
I read the other reviews of this film and it feels like we did not see the same movie. Straight of the bat. This is a suspenseful thriller with horror elements (which people jumped in their seat from), but it is not a hard core horror. It has cool plot and a mystery to be solved. A baby left at a cemetery in the US 20 years ago has an adult managed to track down Norway as the place were she thinks she can find out who and why she was left. Things start getting dicey soon as she makes contact with the people she thinks has answers and from there on out it is one of the most suspenseful films I have seen this year. A elegantly told story with surprises accompanied beautiful cinematography, yes a bit dark at times, but it suites the tone. I also really liked parts of the score. Could be to demanding for younger viewers just looking for gore and killing. There was some truly great acting (I must mention the main character Hunter, the guy that plays her father and her grandfather) I have no idea who these people are that would say the acting is bad or that the English accents are bad. Have you not understood the movie? They have accents because they are Norwegians talking to an American. Also the acting was surprisingly good! I think this film is perfect for people that love a good mystery and can take a scare, but don't want a jump scare fest.
- Thomasbarr-73358
- Nov 17, 2022
- Permalink
I want my money back.
Firstly, I actually had some high expectations for this movie. It has been featured in the media heavily over the last months before it's release. And looked really interesting in the trailer.
How wrong I was. There was 4 horror scenes in a HORROR MOVIE. Still, even though the movie is under 2 hours long, that is criminal. None of the scenes are scary. It's the most basic format of jumpscares that we have seen in any other scary movie, and the directors didn't dare to go all out with the few scary scenes they had. What I mean by that is that before the so called jumpscare itself happens, the director allows you to be prepared for what is going to occur.
And the acting... man this was heavily cringe a lot of times. It felt like the actors didn't try. And the story is all over the place and can't find it's footing at any time during the movie. The American actress at least tries, and outshines the Norwegian actos even though her performances is not any good at all.
Sorry, but if you expected a horror movie I have to say this is a mild thriller only.
How wrong I was. There was 4 horror scenes in a HORROR MOVIE. Still, even though the movie is under 2 hours long, that is criminal. None of the scenes are scary. It's the most basic format of jumpscares that we have seen in any other scary movie, and the directors didn't dare to go all out with the few scary scenes they had. What I mean by that is that before the so called jumpscare itself happens, the director allows you to be prepared for what is going to occur.
And the acting... man this was heavily cringe a lot of times. It felt like the actors didn't try. And the story is all over the place and can't find it's footing at any time during the movie. The American actress at least tries, and outshines the Norwegian actos even though her performances is not any good at all.
Sorry, but if you expected a horror movie I have to say this is a mild thriller only.
- bgbarstad-58055
- Oct 31, 2022
- Permalink
Odd Tone Wise, But Enjoyable
An Interesting Thriller
- ladymidath
- Jul 2, 2023
- Permalink
Boring and Predictable
2 stars for an interesting premise that quickly falls apart.
It takes forever to get anywhere, and where it goes you can see coming from a mile away. The acting is passable I guess.
The main character really drags things down as they are genuinely annoying. Actually, all of the characters are annoying and shallow. There is absolutely no real character development and I couldn't care less about what happened to anyone in the film.
At about the one hour mark I debated just turning to off to do something else, but I managed to stick it out against my better judgement. At least it had some decent cinematography.
It takes forever to get anywhere, and where it goes you can see coming from a mile away. The acting is passable I guess.
The main character really drags things down as they are genuinely annoying. Actually, all of the characters are annoying and shallow. There is absolutely no real character development and I couldn't care less about what happened to anyone in the film.
At about the one hour mark I debated just turning to off to do something else, but I managed to stick it out against my better judgement. At least it had some decent cinematography.
Underwhelming plot to a well-made film
Hunter seeks to understand her heritage after she was left orphaned in a cemetery. She flies to Norway thinking she knows who her mother is. What unfolds is a light version of "The Girl with a..." series, just less intense and less polished. Hunter ignores all the obvious signs of danger as she's hell bent on finding answers to her questions about being orphaned. The resolution has only minor supernatural elements, and we are left with only the horrors of humanity (including attempted rape). The acting is decent, production good, and the over quality of the film is fine. But, it lacks much in terms of genuine suspense or horrific elements. Worth a watch if a calm film with moments of something like intensity is to your liking.
- jmbovan-47-160173
- Mar 18, 2023
- Permalink
Not what I expected
- kkmgirl-448-111988
- Mar 23, 2023
- Permalink
I wanted more kvlt
- BandSAboutMovies
- Mar 25, 2023
- Permalink
saved by the ghost...
Happens once in a while, i wouldve prefered some other entity to come and save me though...
very western norwegian landscape and bergen city influx, leads you from a cemetary in mass. Usa, over to the closed and knitup layers of norwegian society, where honour comes first...
its more a thriller than a horror flick, bonus is granted to the musical score and the main actress, the norwegian cast delivers bad to average. Productionwise it has its interesting cgi and vfx moments, and a burning lust to scare, so when i consider playtime as crucial in horrorthrillers, 90 mins is more than enough, so when the runtime of this flick is 105 mins ,it drags and that sucks the spirit out of a grumpy old man.im very gracious when i award this a 6, could be seen is the recommend.
very western norwegian landscape and bergen city influx, leads you from a cemetary in mass. Usa, over to the closed and knitup layers of norwegian society, where honour comes first...
its more a thriller than a horror flick, bonus is granted to the musical score and the main actress, the norwegian cast delivers bad to average. Productionwise it has its interesting cgi and vfx moments, and a burning lust to scare, so when i consider playtime as crucial in horrorthrillers, 90 mins is more than enough, so when the runtime of this flick is 105 mins ,it drags and that sucks the spirit out of a grumpy old man.im very gracious when i award this a 6, could be seen is the recommend.
It was somewhat slow and mundane...
I wasn't sure what I was in for here, as I sat down in 2023 to watch the 2022 horror movie "Leave". All I knew about it was the fact that it was a horror movie that I hadn't already seen, nor actually ever heard about. And that was, of course, sufficient to make me sit down and give the movie a chance.
Writer Thomas Moldestad was on the right track with the script for "Leave". However, it just felt like it was missing an ingredient or two. I found the movie to be watchable, but it was by no means an outstanding or memorable horror experience. And as the movie came to an end after 106 minutes, I have to admit that I was left with an overwhelming sensation of 'was that really it?'.
The acting performances in the "Leave" were good, and I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie. I do believe that you actually see a very short cameo appearance in the bar scene at the first act of the movie from none other than Gaahl himself.
Visually then "Leave" was adequate. I mean, I wasn't blown away or overly impressed with the effects. But they were fair enough for a movie such as this.
If you enjoy horror movies, give "Leave" a chance. You might actually enjoy a slow burning horror story as director Alex Herron delivered, despite the fact that it wasn't all that entertaining for my liking.
My rating of "Leave" lands on a very generous four out of ten stars.
Writer Thomas Moldestad was on the right track with the script for "Leave". However, it just felt like it was missing an ingredient or two. I found the movie to be watchable, but it was by no means an outstanding or memorable horror experience. And as the movie came to an end after 106 minutes, I have to admit that I was left with an overwhelming sensation of 'was that really it?'.
The acting performances in the "Leave" were good, and I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie. I do believe that you actually see a very short cameo appearance in the bar scene at the first act of the movie from none other than Gaahl himself.
Visually then "Leave" was adequate. I mean, I wasn't blown away or overly impressed with the effects. But they were fair enough for a movie such as this.
If you enjoy horror movies, give "Leave" a chance. You might actually enjoy a slow burning horror story as director Alex Herron delivered, despite the fact that it wasn't all that entertaining for my liking.
My rating of "Leave" lands on a very generous four out of ten stars.
- paul_haakonsen
- Mar 20, 2023
- Permalink
Moral of the story: if you seek your mother in a metal club, all you'll get is her clumsy goon chasing you through the streets.
Should I stay?
No pun intended - especially because the song asks "should I go" instead of leave - boils down to the same thing I reckon though, yes? Which is true for the story - for those who have seen a few movies (horror especially I assume). Nothing much will be too surprising, but the movie can be ... well it is decent enough, if you suspend your disbelief.
The setting is nice, the acting is ok. Some interesting jump scares along the way - even when you know they are coming, the nature of them make them ... well at least partly effective. It may feel weird, but it is a good thing for the movie if you like horror, but also a bad thing - circling back to the predictable part. It's all up to you ... do you have the time to "waste"?
The setting is nice, the acting is ok. Some interesting jump scares along the way - even when you know they are coming, the nature of them make them ... well at least partly effective. It may feel weird, but it is a good thing for the movie if you like horror, but also a bad thing - circling back to the predictable part. It's all up to you ... do you have the time to "waste"?
Jog On
This movie will not add anything to your life. It had some potential - weird families in Norway are a great place to start with a tiny bit of black metal thrown in for good measure.
However, my main pet peeve is the shots are too dark. What is the point of shooting a film when your audience cannot see what you are doing/ The compositions aren't strong enough to be 'arty'.
The storyline is very weak, you can see the ending coming from a mile away. It is not all that interesting. I kept waiting for something to happen but was left disappointed. Again, it had some potential but squandered it by following the main character to nowhere.
There is no black metal in this movie, only black screens.
However, my main pet peeve is the shots are too dark. What is the point of shooting a film when your audience cannot see what you are doing/ The compositions aren't strong enough to be 'arty'.
The storyline is very weak, you can see the ending coming from a mile away. It is not all that interesting. I kept waiting for something to happen but was left disappointed. Again, it had some potential but squandered it by following the main character to nowhere.
There is no black metal in this movie, only black screens.
- cynthiacaton
- Mar 11, 2023
- Permalink
pretty good drama
I came across this movie while I was looking for a horror movie and after watching some trailers here and there, I chose to give it a try. Frankly saying it should not be categorized as horror movie and I can understand the low points people gave to the movie, as they expected to watch a real horror. But if you know this fact, them the movie suddenly turns into a good drama with good filming, directing and pretty good scenario and fine ending. I'm not sure if my tase is different from the rest of the crowd, but, I, for myself, loved watching the movie from end to end. There are times that you cannot judge a book by its cover, and I think the film deserve high rank than this.
Entitled American
- sleeculley
- Apr 4, 2023
- Permalink
Half a film, written with half a brain
This is a strange movie that has the makings of a decent attempt but it falls off around the hour mark and toward the end, it just becomes plain silly. The ending is simply undeserved as the drama leaves so many unanswered questions.
For example, the diary, what happened to that? Who was burned in the church? Why was her mum captive for so long? Was the rest of the family in on it?
This feels like it was green lit because of the structural similarity to the Girl With Dragon Tattoo. Scandi set, dark secrets to protect, outsider comes to find the truth, etc Overall, a disappointment that I cannot recommend to anyone.
For example, the diary, what happened to that? Who was burned in the church? Why was her mum captive for so long? Was the rest of the family in on it?
This feels like it was green lit because of the structural similarity to the Girl With Dragon Tattoo. Scandi set, dark secrets to protect, outsider comes to find the truth, etc Overall, a disappointment that I cannot recommend to anyone.
- stevelivesey-37183
- Jun 7, 2023
- Permalink
Where is her diary?
- nogodnomasters
- May 8, 2023
- Permalink