Hammer's comeback is
a sadly mediocre and uninspired
slice of forgettable
paranormal horror.
However some good
elements keep hope
alive for a true return to form.
Hammer Productions helped to create some of the most memorable and timeless horror films of the late 50's and 60's (not so much the early 70's, things had gotten ridiculous by then and the studio died an undignified death). Although it was a shame to see such an iconic studio die off, it is hard to say that they hadn't been surpassed by newer and more relevant horror productions by the early 70's (Exorcist anyone?). Hammer is supposedly back however, having achieved success with their adaptation of The Woman In Black (a painfully average horror) the studio decided to follow with this film, which they have lauded as their true comeback film. So does it succeed? Well, it is sad to say that the least interesting thing about this entire affair is the film itself, it is just as painfully average as The Woman In Black, except with perhaps a few more notable elements.
The film's greatest asset is Jared Harris. He not only gives a very strong and dedicated performance, but is given the most fully formed character in the entire film. The character's arc into frustration, and latter madness, is well documented throughout the film, with appropriate time given to his character's development. With the best dialogue in the film Harris was able to really impress me, and gave me hope that perhaps Hammer could one day provide a new horror icon on the level of Lee or Cushing (a stretch admittedly, but with better direction I could see Harris rising into infamy very quickly). Overall, the film should be seen for Harris if nothing else, he was a blast.
The film also has a fairly nice and isolated setting, decent (although far from stellar) cinematography and a second strong performance from Erin Richards, who also plays a fairly believable and nicely developed supporting character. These basically sum up the films positives and I would say they are enough for me to not hate this film, and I remain hopeful because of these elements that Hammer will one day return in true form. Every other element in the film however is either entirely forgettable or bad.
The film's largest issue is that it is not even remotely scary. Every jumpscare in the film is limp and flaccid, with even the film itself mocking them at points (giving us some admittedly funny and natural feeling scenes as a result). The film lacks atmosphere, any sense of stakes or pacing with it's horror. It is a true failure in what should be the most important factors of the genre. The film also features three weak performances from the rest of the main cast, including the two supposed leads. Olivia Cook in particular is awful as the possessed girl, seeming bored most of the time and lacking any kind of depth. Furthermore the film features some of the goofiest pseudo-science that I have ever heard, and it is embarrassing to listen to. Combine this with a limp twist and even limper climax (along with an entirely superfluous partial found-footage gimmick) and you have a film which squanders my good-will.
The Quiet Ones is not awful, but it is weak. Apparently the film suffered last minute budget issues and consequential forced rewrites and it certainly feels it. Perhaps with a more stable production and a better cast we could have something here, so I am willing to call this a failed Beta test for a more focused comeback.
By Jack D. Phillips
A Zoom Film Review
The film also has a fairly nice and isolated setting, decent (although far from stellar) cinematography and a second strong performance from Erin Richards, who also plays a fairly believable and nicely developed supporting character. These basically sum up the films positives and I would say they are enough for me to not hate this film, and I remain hopeful because of these elements that Hammer will one day return in true form. Every other element in the film however is either entirely forgettable or bad.
The film's largest issue is that it is not even remotely scary. Every jumpscare in the film is limp and flaccid, with even the film itself mocking them at points (giving us some admittedly funny and natural feeling scenes as a result). The film lacks atmosphere, any sense of stakes or pacing with it's horror. It is a true failure in what should be the most important factors of the genre. The film also features three weak performances from the rest of the main cast, including the two supposed leads. Olivia Cook in particular is awful as the possessed girl, seeming bored most of the time and lacking any kind of depth. Furthermore the film features some of the goofiest pseudo-science that I have ever heard, and it is embarrassing to listen to. Combine this with a limp twist and even limper climax (along with an entirely superfluous partial found-footage gimmick) and you have a film which squanders my good-will.
The Quiet Ones is not awful, but it is weak. Apparently the film suffered last minute budget issues and consequential forced rewrites and it certainly feels it. Perhaps with a more stable production and a better cast we could have something here, so I am willing to call this a failed Beta test for a more focused comeback.
By Jack D. Phillips
A Zoom Film Review
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