I gave it a six because it's not badly done. I like to check IMDb before watching a movie and if it's a five or above, I'll give it a go. This is worth a watch, albeit not without it's flaws. Plus, I am a sucker for creepy kid movies that are done well.
***SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT*** My review contains spoilers. Read no further if you haven't seen it and do not want any plot reveals.
*Ahem* Are they gone? Good.
This movie was not badly done. The acting was decent. The lighting is done with a dreary, moody, Irish countryside thing going for it. I have no problems with any of the performances or the technical aspects of the film.
HOWEVER.
What. The. Hail.
Niamh/Neve has obviously been through abuse/trauma. I personally felt it hard to muster any real sympathy for her. Thumbs up to the actress who plays her, she was creepy as all get out. You have moments when you feel a tug of sympathy for her. "What horrible parents!" I said to myself. "But she's been through so much, you can't blame her!" I reasoned. "She's doing it because she is locked in panic mode!" I cry to no one, flinging my arms into the air. "She just needs consistency, patience and a loving environment!" I decide, shaking my head.
Nope.
She's withdrawn. Got it, understandable. She doesn't like to be touched. Again, okay with this. She sometimes participates in the real world, occasionally responding to people, at other times staring off into space or just flat out not answering at all. She seems almost normal at times. It's irritatingly inconsistent. (YES, I understand that this behavior can be par for the course which children coming from such backgrounds) It never smells contrived.
...But I found myself thinking "All this kid needs is a good spanking."*
Also, what the hail was up with the lemmings scene at the school??? While I was buying the paranormal episodes up to this point, you know, a la Carrie-Stress-Induced-Panic-Freakout, this was really pushing it. But I stuck with it; I absolutely hate not finishing a movie that doesn't outright suck, and I was looking for some resolution one way or another.
Another nope. Zero resolution. None. Zip. Zilch. Nada. No.
I was all "wtf?!!?" when the movie ended.
...Two last things and I will shut up. (Swear. Pinky promise!) It reminds me of two movies:
1. "Carrie" - except you just can't really feel consistent sympathy for Niamh/Neve.
B. "Joshua" - it has the same slow burning infuriating vibe.
* < rolls eyes > I hate that I even feel compelled to add this, but no, I do not advocate/defend child abuse.
***SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT*** My review contains spoilers. Read no further if you haven't seen it and do not want any plot reveals.
*Ahem* Are they gone? Good.
This movie was not badly done. The acting was decent. The lighting is done with a dreary, moody, Irish countryside thing going for it. I have no problems with any of the performances or the technical aspects of the film.
HOWEVER.
What. The. Hail.
Niamh/Neve has obviously been through abuse/trauma. I personally felt it hard to muster any real sympathy for her. Thumbs up to the actress who plays her, she was creepy as all get out. You have moments when you feel a tug of sympathy for her. "What horrible parents!" I said to myself. "But she's been through so much, you can't blame her!" I reasoned. "She's doing it because she is locked in panic mode!" I cry to no one, flinging my arms into the air. "She just needs consistency, patience and a loving environment!" I decide, shaking my head.
Nope.
She's withdrawn. Got it, understandable. She doesn't like to be touched. Again, okay with this. She sometimes participates in the real world, occasionally responding to people, at other times staring off into space or just flat out not answering at all. She seems almost normal at times. It's irritatingly inconsistent. (YES, I understand that this behavior can be par for the course which children coming from such backgrounds) It never smells contrived.
...But I found myself thinking "All this kid needs is a good spanking."*
Also, what the hail was up with the lemmings scene at the school??? While I was buying the paranormal episodes up to this point, you know, a la Carrie-Stress-Induced-Panic-Freakout, this was really pushing it. But I stuck with it; I absolutely hate not finishing a movie that doesn't outright suck, and I was looking for some resolution one way or another.
Another nope. Zero resolution. None. Zip. Zilch. Nada. No.
I was all "wtf?!!?" when the movie ended.
...Two last things and I will shut up. (Swear. Pinky promise!) It reminds me of two movies:
1. "Carrie" - except you just can't really feel consistent sympathy for Niamh/Neve.
B. "Joshua" - it has the same slow burning infuriating vibe.
* < rolls eyes > I hate that I even feel compelled to add this, but no, I do not advocate/defend child abuse.