HORROR. “The Silence.” / “The Awakening.” / “Orphan.” / “Carriers.”

“The Silence” (2019, Netflix) post-apocalyptic horror. The world faces a deadly attack from flying, bat-like creatures called "vesps." These monsters are blind and hunt their human prey entirely by sound. 


       This tired derivative (sic) is an obvious take-off from Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 classic “The Birds” (based on Daphne du Maurier's short story) albeit weird, flying creatures as antagonists (apart from a pursuing cult). Think as well of John Krasinski's “A Quiet Place” franchise, which is a lot better than “The Silence.”

       Stanley Tucci and Kiernan Shipka deliver fine performances but their effort failed to placate this pseudo-dread's predictability, cliche scares, and blank pacing. 🎥💻📽


“The Awakening” (2011, Amazon Prime) British historical horror thriller. Set in post-World War I England (1921), it follows an author who exposes hoax ghost sightings, as she travels to a countryside boarding school to investigate rumors of a haunting. 



       Nothing that we haven't seen before. Nothing that is defined as chilling or excites the pulse but this movie is definitely well-acted: Rebecca Hall, Dominic West, and the great Imelda Staunton. 🎥💻📽


“Orphan” (2009, Roku) psychological horror. A couple who, after the loss of their stillborn child, adopt a psychopathic nine-year-old girl with a mysterious past. Stars Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard. 


       Do you remember Damien? Or what if Rosemary's baby Adrian grew up? Regan of “The Exorcist” and the twins in “The Shining,” uh huh? They would be hanging out with the children of the corn, I bet. Scary! Yup, the most frightening of fright night horror cinema are the children. 

       And here comes another child, Esther. Played with diabolical relish by Isabelle Fuhrman, little Esther scares. Although “Orphan” is all bloodied cliche and genre derivative, it doesn’t mean Esther would easily leave your bedroom either. Hey, this movie grossed $78.8 million from a budget of $20 million. 🎥💻📽


“Carriers” (2009, Apple TV+) post-apocalyptic horror. Four survivors of a viral pandemic attempt to stay alive amid the looming threat of becoming infected. Stars Chris Pine, Lou Taylor Pucci, Piper Perabo, and Emily VanCamp. 



       Virus doomsday cliche. Before and after the Covid years, we already consumed many cinematic products of the “end of days” genre. The difference with this movie is, we don't get to see a lot of zombies. The dramatic tension is concentrated between the characters. But still there is no thrill here. 🎥💻📽


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