The Visit is low budget found-footage style horror film. Many thinks that the movie starts out too slow, but I don’t agree. I think it moved with perfect pace. Pay attention to all the stories and problems those two children are facing, because the movie reference back to them later.
The Review (Spoiler Free)
M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Visit” marks a significant return to the director’s roots in suspense and horror, blending thrills with a surprising amount of humor. The film, released in 2015, follows siblings Becca and Tyler as they embark on a week-long stay with their grandparents, whom they’ve never met. What begins as an innocent and curious exploration of family history spirals into a series of unsettling and terrifying events.
The movie cleverly utilizes the found-footage style, a technique that has become somewhat clichéd in the horror genre. However, Shyamalan revitalizes this approach, using it to trap the audience within the limited perspective of the children’s camera. This method effectively builds tension, withholding visual information and then jolting the viewer with unexpected frights.
“The Visit” is not just a horror film; it’s also an exploration of family dynamics and the impact of estrangement. The children’s mother, played by Kathryn Hahn, sends her kids to reconnect with her parents, from whom she’s been estranged since leaving home at 19. This subplot adds depth to the narrative, making the audience invest in the characters’ emotional journey as well as their physical safety.
Critics have noted that the film provides a satisfying mix of scares and laughs, a testament to Shyamalan’s skill in balancing different emotional tones. The performances by Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould as Becca and Tyler are commendable, capturing the innocence and determination of their characters convincingly.
“The Visit” has been described as a film that allows Shyamalan to cut loose and shed some of the self-seriousness that had crept into his previous works. It’s a refreshing change that seems to have resonated with audiences and critics alike.
In conclusion, “The Visit” stands out as a well-crafted horror film that successfully reinvents its genre while providing commentary on filmmaking itself. It’s a movie that reminds us of Shyamalan’s talent for storytelling and his ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a fan of his earlier work or new to his films, “The Visit” is worth watching for its clever blend of horror, humor, and heart.
Spoiler Ending (Spoiler Warning!!)
The shocking twist at the movie’s end reveals that the grandparents with whom the two children spent the weekend are impostors. They are dangerously mentally ill patients who escaped from a psychiatric facility, murdered the real grandparents, and assumed their identities. Compounding the terror, it’s disclosed early that the grandmother suffers from a medical condition that triggers bizarre and frightening behavior at night, which is arguably the most terrifying aspect of the film due to her unpredictability.
When the children discover the truth, chaos ensues. They strive to maintain a facade of normalcy while seeking an escape. In their desperate bid for freedom, they must confront their deepest fears. Fortunately, their mother learns of their peril and arrives just in time to rescue them.
In the Nutshell
I highly recommend this movie. It is one of best work by M. Night. I give 5 out of 5 stars.
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PROFILE:
Genre: Found-Footage
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