Sadly, everything interesting about this movie could have been accomplished in a half hour episode of outer limits, without the boredom and wasted time.
31 Reviews
Nope
phil_consult8 July 2022
hard no from me dawg
swiftiestyle8 July 2022
Boring and sometimes ridiculous
bohdanascheinostova23 May 2023
"The Summoned" promised a suspenseful horror, but the finale product is deeply disapointing. I feel like in some ways it tried to mimic "Get Out" and definitely didin't succeed. The story itself is quite messy because the main plot is basically only told (by the characters) and not shown. Because of that the story doesn't really come through and in the end you are left with asking yourself "what was this film actually about?". Most of the scenes are horror cliches and in my opinion some were too cheesy and even laughable. Overall I am sure I felt extremely bored watching it and I am going to forget this film very soon.
Dreadful and cringey
theadicts778 June 2022
Worst movie I ever seen in my life
contactjoshuadavis18 July 2022
Don't get me wrong they got me with the trailer to even rent it for 5.99 but if anything me and my girlfriend got a good laugh out of this because it was RIDICULOUS CORNY. They should change the theme from horror to comedy this is most asedio amateur film I ever seen in my life should be in free section well I'm sure it's headed there soon lol I i know they would not disrespect the movie theatre like this I could of made a better movie LMAO.
Worst movie I have ever seen
brettgriggs-6206219 July 2022
Music was mismanaged
psychofox-8851111 July 2022
The film starts off as a slow burn mystery. Or it tries to. Clues to what is actually going on are handed out way to frequently.
When the big reveal hits, it feels a bit rushed and heavy-handed.
All that being said though, there is a solid, enjoyable film here.
My biggest gripe was the music. Don't get me wrong, it's well written, well orchestrated and well produced, but the way it is used just seems dated. It seems to try too hard, to the point that many scenes seem to have too much music. It made me think of soundtracks to late 90s and early 2000s straight-to-video movies. The music was by no means bad, but just overplayed. It's like the film-makers had no faith in the shots to create the desired atmosphere and fell back on the music to do the job. It should be a shared responsibility.
When the big reveal hits, it feels a bit rushed and heavy-handed.
All that being said though, there is a solid, enjoyable film here.
My biggest gripe was the music. Don't get me wrong, it's well written, well orchestrated and well produced, but the way it is used just seems dated. It seems to try too hard, to the point that many scenes seem to have too much music. It made me think of soundtracks to late 90s and early 2000s straight-to-video movies. The music was by no means bad, but just overplayed. It's like the film-makers had no faith in the shots to create the desired atmosphere and fell back on the music to do the job. It should be a shared responsibility.
Pass
kimberlywambach17 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Super let down. Acting, dialogue, tone, pacing- dreadful. Not one character was the least bit likable, and that fella running the retreat/trap was legit cartoonish. I'm all for a twist, but not when I see it coming a mile away. It's giving Get Out rip off vibes... like even from the very first scene.
Shame because it has all the elements I typically like in a horror; remote woods, cabins, psychos, twists, occultism, etc. It just didn't come together for me.
Shame because it has all the elements I typically like in a horror; remote woods, cabins, psychos, twists, occultism, etc. It just didn't come together for me.
You Can't stop it
nogodnomasters18 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Four people are summoned to a high end unorthodox self-help retreat run by Justin Frost (Frederick Stuart) because Faust would be too much a plot spoiler. The picture centers on Elijah (J. Quinton Johnson) the only person in the group who is not famous. His girlfriend Lyn is a pop star. The other two include Film screen actress Tara (Angela Gulner ) and money maker Joe (Salvador Chacon ). Elijah is bothered by dreams and things seem off to him. Eventually he is in a fight for his life.
The sound track was good when they introduced Frost but then went back to normal. The story wasn't bad, a slight twist to the genre but I thought the acting was weak, especially the lead who should have been the best.
Guide: F-word. Sex. No nudity.
The sound track was good when they introduced Frost but then went back to normal. The story wasn't bad, a slight twist to the genre but I thought the acting was weak, especially the lead who should have been the best.
Guide: F-word. Sex. No nudity.
Not for everyone, but I loved it.
PattonReviews9 June 2022
Saw this movie at Overlook film festival and will way it is more of a thriller than a horror, and if you are looking for a gorefest this definitely isn't it. It's great quality for a lower budget movie and I found it to be just the right amount of intrigue and mystery. The acting was great with some great humor mixed in throughout. The characters were really fun! I won't give away spoilers, but I will say that there are some fun twists that you really have to keep an eye on. This isn't any sort of giveaway but the main characters are phenomenal singers and there is a moment where they show off their pipes.
An enjoyable enough if somewhat problematic effort
kannibalcorpsegrinder16 August 2022
Summoned to a remote estate in the wilderness, a couple attending a self-help retreat find that they've been subjected to a series of supernatural hauntings intended to return a debt brought forth by their ancestors generations ago and must find a way to settle it before they become victims.
This was a decent enough if somewhat misguided effort. When this one works nicely is the highly understated relationship on display that showcases how effective the pact is. Getting a rather immediate start on the material prospects between the couples by seeing their careers and overall wealth at the moment we meet them at the house where we realize the completely out-of-his-element setup established. The mega-wealthy aspects here in terms of their overall appearance and general means of going about the world, the vapidness of their interactions towards each other once they realize he's not involved in their society only gets enhanced once the treatment sessions begin. That becomes more apparent once the twist comes about in the later stages here featuring the reveal about the past inhabitants of the retreat that ties into their visit but the actual reveal of the hosts' malicious nature towards him which is quite chilling once it's all spelled out. These factors are enough to keep this one intriguing enough for the most part while there are numerous issues to be had with this one. The biggest issue here is the utterly uninteresting and barely worthwhile group of influencers that we're following for the majority of the film. It's incredibly obvious how out-of-place he is amongst the group not just because he's nowhere near as wealthy with his grounded approach but also because the more likable personality he has is in total contrast to their vast wealth and superficiality. That he would even be in the situation of dating her is never explained and he never seems to fit into the situation in any sense so these scenes come off rather clunky and somewhat boring to sit through when we're spending time before the twist occurs that doesn't redeem them but merely makes it understandable why they're who they are. That ends up making the twist itself seem far less impactful with an abundance of over-explanations to try to make it seem like these events are taking place by the deal set up which is incredibly convoluted and feels like contrivance more than anything. These are what hold this one back overall.
Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Language and Violence.
This was a decent enough if somewhat misguided effort. When this one works nicely is the highly understated relationship on display that showcases how effective the pact is. Getting a rather immediate start on the material prospects between the couples by seeing their careers and overall wealth at the moment we meet them at the house where we realize the completely out-of-his-element setup established. The mega-wealthy aspects here in terms of their overall appearance and general means of going about the world, the vapidness of their interactions towards each other once they realize he's not involved in their society only gets enhanced once the treatment sessions begin. That becomes more apparent once the twist comes about in the later stages here featuring the reveal about the past inhabitants of the retreat that ties into their visit but the actual reveal of the hosts' malicious nature towards him which is quite chilling once it's all spelled out. These factors are enough to keep this one intriguing enough for the most part while there are numerous issues to be had with this one. The biggest issue here is the utterly uninteresting and barely worthwhile group of influencers that we're following for the majority of the film. It's incredibly obvious how out-of-place he is amongst the group not just because he's nowhere near as wealthy with his grounded approach but also because the more likable personality he has is in total contrast to their vast wealth and superficiality. That he would even be in the situation of dating her is never explained and he never seems to fit into the situation in any sense so these scenes come off rather clunky and somewhat boring to sit through when we're spending time before the twist occurs that doesn't redeem them but merely makes it understandable why they're who they are. That ends up making the twist itself seem far less impactful with an abundance of over-explanations to try to make it seem like these events are taking place by the deal set up which is incredibly convoluted and feels like contrivance more than anything. These are what hold this one back overall.
Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Language and Violence.
Creepy, Fun Ride!
LaurenC20037 July 2022
Loved the twists and turns, don't wanna spoil but watch for really fun performances, cool camera work, awesome score, and a good time!! Even non-horror fans can enjoy the character dynamics and art without having too many nightmares. Can't wait to see more from this team.
Not Bad
gab-6759910 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This move reminded me of Blood Punch in the way that it felt low-budget. That movie was also shot in a cabin in the woods with time-loop being a factor. What made that movie great though was the acting. Although this one was not great like that one, the actors were all interesting and believable. Definitely not a waste of time if you like horror movies that is. I would not mind watching this movie again and will definitely be recommending it.
Better than I thought
Shanghai_Expat14 August 2022
I like horror movies and didn't really expect much, but was really happy with the story line. I was happy that it wasn't a rehash of a story I've already seen and the acting / directing was good despite my never having heard of any of them.
I think with a little effort it could have been much scarier though. It made me daydream of a Korean or Japanese version that could scare the pants off of people.
It would have been a lot scarier if they did a "Ghost Ship" ending where when you thought it was all over, you learn that it's just restarting fresh.
I think with a little effort it could have been much scarier though. It made me daydream of a Korean or Japanese version that could scare the pants off of people.
It would have been a lot scarier if they did a "Ghost Ship" ending where when you thought it was all over, you learn that it's just restarting fresh.
Fun and Pretty!
kellywinters-5447710 June 2022
I new take on an ageless story!
menorman-059918 January 2023
This was a fun time. Although "The Summoned" is a story that has been around since the "Devil" was invented. I really enjoyed the way it was updated to a more modern time. Great cast, beautifully shot and some really cool effects!! Definitely worth checking out.
This was a fun time. Although "The Summoned" is a story that has been around since the "Devil" was invented. I really enjoyed the way it was updated to a more modern time. Great cast, beautifully shot and some really cool effects!! Definitely worth checking out.
This was a fun time. Although "The Summoned" is a story that has been around since the "Devil" was invented. I really enjoyed the way it was updated to a more modern time. Great cast, beautifully shot and some really cool effects!! Definitely worth checking out.
This was a fun time. Although "The Summoned" is a story that has been around since the "Devil" was invented. I really enjoyed the way it was updated to a more modern time. Great cast, beautifully shot and some really cool effects!! Definitely worth checking out.
This was a fun time. Although "The Summoned" is a story that has been around since the "Devil" was invented. I really enjoyed the way it was updated to a more modern time. Great cast, beautifully shot and some really cool effects!! Definitely worth checking out.
Great indie horror/thriller
dance-monkey7 July 2022
Beautifully shot, great writing, even better editing. Not gory or a gross-fest, just a great story with fun characters and a dark, moody atmosphere. Love the setting as well, it's almost another character in the story.
Fun, creepy and makes you think!
jameswrosenthal7 July 2022
This is a great little film! Interesting commentary on what we do for success, with genuine scares, tension, and LOL moments. A serious movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, smart without being pretentious, and makes you out your phone down and watch while white knuckling your arm chair.
A fun and classic thrill-ride
jlepage-845557 July 2022
Do yourself a favor
kainaro7 July 2022
Great thriller!
katie_weiss8 July 2022
Charming and fun
GeneApplesauce10 June 2022
It's a small indie film but the combination of incredibly talented and charming actors, the cinematography, the directing, the writing and the unique editing really sets it apart. It's got some really hilarious moments and the whole second half is a breathless sprint which I really enjoyed. I had a blast watching it - it's a perfect kind of midnight movie.
A Twisting Faustian Thriller
Spike-4061410 June 2022
Saw this film at Overlook and was totally blown away.
The cast is incredible, with standout performances by the impressively talented J. Quinton Johnson as Elijah, Salvador Chacon as the swarmy Joe, Emma Fitzpatrick beautifully handling the complexities of her character Lyn, Frederick Stuart as the enigmatic Frost, and a total show stealer in Angela Gulner as Tara (seriously, she has numerous brilliant moments I don't want to spoil).
The film is beautifully shot and executed. Especially when you hear some of the stories of the difficulties faced during filming, it's quite a remarkable feat.
Also not quite a spoiler, but there's a truly stunning musical performance by Johnson and Fitzpatrick.
Admittedly the film is a slow burn and while it takes a while to get going, once it does it takes off with a force that will have your head spinning in the best way possible. Moments that may have you scratching your noggin in the early stages are all paid off in a clever series of twists and turns playing off the classic Faustian morality tale.
It's certainly no gore fest, but it's a brilliantly executed thriller that stands out in the genre. I'm already excited to watch it again when it comes out in July as it's clear it'll be even better with a second viewing.
The cast is incredible, with standout performances by the impressively talented J. Quinton Johnson as Elijah, Salvador Chacon as the swarmy Joe, Emma Fitzpatrick beautifully handling the complexities of her character Lyn, Frederick Stuart as the enigmatic Frost, and a total show stealer in Angela Gulner as Tara (seriously, she has numerous brilliant moments I don't want to spoil).
The film is beautifully shot and executed. Especially when you hear some of the stories of the difficulties faced during filming, it's quite a remarkable feat.
Also not quite a spoiler, but there's a truly stunning musical performance by Johnson and Fitzpatrick.
Admittedly the film is a slow burn and while it takes a while to get going, once it does it takes off with a force that will have your head spinning in the best way possible. Moments that may have you scratching your noggin in the early stages are all paid off in a clever series of twists and turns playing off the classic Faustian morality tale.
It's certainly no gore fest, but it's a brilliantly executed thriller that stands out in the genre. I'm already excited to watch it again when it comes out in July as it's clear it'll be even better with a second viewing.
Creepy Good Fun
juliemkruger16 July 2022
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews