“SiREN,” a feature-length adaptation of the segment “Amateur Night” from the 2012 anthology “V/H/S,” takes viewers on a harrowing journey into the depths of supernatural horror. Directed by Gregg Bishop and written by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski, the film expands upon the original short’s premise, delving deeper into the dark and twisted world it glimpses.
The story follows Jonah, portrayed by Chase Williamson, who is on the brink of marriage and embarks on a bachelor party that promises to be unforgettable. The night’s escapades lead Jonah and his friends to a mysterious, underground club, where they encounter more than just the typical party scene. Here, they find Lily, played by Hannah Fierman, a captivating and enigmatic figure whose siren song lures Jonah into a nightmarish reality far beyond his wildest dreams.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to blend horror with dark humor, creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and intriguing. Justin Welborn’s portrayal of Mr. Nyx, the club’s proprietor and collector of the odd and supernatural, adds a layer of chilling charisma to the narrative. The performances, particularly by Fierman and Welborn, are commendable and bring life to the film’s bizarre and otherworldly elements.
However, “SiREN” struggles to find its footing in terms of tone and message. Critics have noted that while the film boasts a unique concept involving implanted memories, a stripper with a tail, and winged creatures, it falls short in developing a personality that makes these elements truly compelling. The film oscillates between being too strange to be believable and not strange enough to be memorable, leaving it lost in a liminal space that neither fully embraces its weirdness nor grounds itself in reality.
Despite these criticisms, “SiREN” has been recognized for its creativity, particularly in the supernatural aspects of the film. Some reviewers have praised it as an energetic and entertaining exercise that could potentially give rise to its own spin-offs. The special effects and the film’s conclusion have also been highlighted as strong points, contributing to a movie experience that sticks in the memory for its originality and execution.
In the Nutshell
“SiREN” is a film that tantalizes with its premise and occasionally delivers on its promise of a wild, supernatural ride. While it may not achieve the cult status of some of its horror peers, it offers a glimpse into a world where the lines between human desire and monstrous reality blur, making for an entertaining, if not entirely cohesive, cinematic experience. For those seeking a horror film with a twist and aren’t afraid of a little genre-bending, “SiREN” might just be the siren call to answer. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
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Genre: Monster Horror
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