The Boogeyman comes as a highly anticipated film from director Rob Savage, known for his inventive and terrifying works like Host and Dashcam. With this adaptation of a Stephen King short story, Savage showcases his familiarity with basic horror tropes. However, despite its promising elements, the film ultimately falls into deeply generic territory, leaving viewers longing for a more distinctive and daring approach.
The narrative centers around a grief-stricken family—an anguished widowed father (Chris Messina) and his two daughters (Sophie Thatcher, Vivien Lyra Blair)—who find themselves susceptible to a malevolent presence lurking in the shadows. Within the family home, characterized by its murky stained-glass windows and absorbing walls, this voracious entity with arachnid legs and gnashing teeth preys on their vulnerability, evoking an effectively spooky atmosphere.
Savage’s direction proves efficient and workmanlike, employing conventional horror techniques such as jump scares and a thunderous score. While these elements generate moments of suspense, they also contribute to the film’s generic nature. Given Savage’s previous groundbreaking works, it’s disappointing that The Boogeyman doesn’t fully embrace its potential to be a disruptive and distinctive addition to the horror genre. The whole thing comes across as a genuinely talented artist choosing to provide his bona fides as a competent journeyman.
The performances in the film, led by Sophie Thatcher, deserve recognition, but unfortunately, they fail to elevate the material beyond its limitations. The jump scares, which can be hit or miss, mostly fall into the latter category, lacking the desired impact and originality. Additionally, the story-line feels somewhat directionless, leaving viewers yearning for a more compelling and engaging narrative arc.
Visually, The Boogeyman possesses a dark and uninspired production design, effectively creating an eerie ambiance but failing to introduce innovative visual motifs or captivating aesthetics. It’s evident that there are missed opportunities to push creative boundaries and truly showcase Savage’s directorial prowess.
The Boogeyman held promise but sadly turns out to be a damp squib. Rob Savage demonstrates his efficiency and understanding of creating spooky atmospheres, yet fails to deliver a truly distinctive experience. With its familiar scares and lack of originality, the film leaves audiences craving a bolder, more imaginative approach that fully taps into Savage’s potential. Given the director’s previous groundbreaking ventures, it’s evident that he possesses the capability to redefine horror, but The Boogeyman falls short of being the artistic triumph his fans hoped for.
The Boogeyman is in UK cinemas from June 2.
Whitlock&Pope 