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Rating: What is fear? One could spend hours giving it different definitions, but for me, it is that feeling we experience when we sense danger. A simple definition, certainly; even banal, if you like. But, nonetheless, it can be considered correct.
The cornerstone of horror cinema is fear. At least, in theory, fear should be the fundamental element of a horror story. Am I wrong? And, consequently, a horror story should present numerous moments of danger for the protagonists. It's no coincidence that many of the most successful horror films deal with ruthless killers or supernatural elements that devastate the lives of the main characters.
Good. Once these two fundamental things are clarified, we can begin to talk about the work in question: The Boy. When it was released in cinemas last year, I had read in the various cinema groups (horror and not) I am part of on Facebook and on various websites, often enthusiastic reactions among those who had seen it. So, my expectations were quite high for this film. And my disappointment, at the end of the viewing, is truly disarming and depressing.
Greta is called by an elderly couple to take care of their son: a doll, Brahms. A doll that, as we have become accustomed to seeing in recent years, has the habit of moving and doing as it pleases. Not a particularly original plot, then... at least at the beginning. No, actually, at least for the first half. No, excuse me: the plot is not original for 80 minutes out of 90! Brahms moves, shadows move in the corridors, etc. The usual clichés of contemporary horror cinema. Not only that. For the same 80 minutes out of 90, there is no sign of danger whatsoever. Greta never risks anything for 80 minutes. Do you want to know what the biggest danger the girl faced in almost 90% of the film is? After taking a shower, she finds a lock of her hair mysteriously cut. This is not horror; this is a joke.
The last ten minutes are quite commendable. But the game is not worth the candle. Ten rather good minutes are not worth an hour and twenty of waiting, 80 empty and useless minutes. If they had used this same concept for a 15 minutes short film, the result would have been truly a masterpiece. About. But... we're just not there. If you care for yourself, avoid this movie. Or, skip directly to the end, which is rather smart (though not without dialogues heard billions of times like "Run!" "Not without you!") and interesting.
From a technical standpoint, the director, William Brent Bell, does a decent job. Some shots, especially those on the doll, have a certain morbid quality. But for the rest, he does his dirty work without offering anything truly special and intriguing. Even the photography isn't bad, especially in the night scenes, with good plays of light and shadow. But the real sore point is the screenplay, a total disaster.
The rating I give is 2 stars out of 5, which, however, should be understood as a 4 and a half. Extremely disappointing, with few pleasant elements.
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