A Haunted House Story With a Twist: What Makes This Movie Fall Flat

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MOVIE REVIEW
Sound of Silence
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Alessandro Antonaci, Stefano Mandalà, Daniel Lascar
Writer(s): Alessandro Antonaci, Stefano Mandalà, Daniel Lascar
Cast: Penelope Sangiorgi, Rocco Marazzita, Lucia Caporaso, Daniele De Martino, Chiara Casolari, Peter Stephen Wolmarans, Alessandra Pizzullo
Where To Watch: available on VOD & digital on March 9, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Today, we're in for a hauntingly unique time as we delve into SOUND OF SILENCE, a horror film that will keep you guessing throughout the film. This film takes a unique approach to exploring the afterlife, as we witness a haunted item terrorizing the protagonist in her family's Italian home.

The movie is split into three parts; while the film showed some improvement as it progressed, it had a steep hill to climb. However, the payoff is worth it as the story continues, leading to the film's crescendo, which has a solid ending. The film's directors succeeded in seamlessly connecting the themes of obsession and a haunted house to produce a movie that effectively uses sound to create an eerie atmosphere.

The lead actress, Penelope Sangiorgi, delivers a standout performance as Emma, who must react to a ghostly presence without another actor to play off. The rest of the cast also performed admirably, especially considering that most of the movie was shot in English, an added challenge for the performers.

The ability to execute a simple, compelling idea sets SOUND OF SILENCE apart. The haunting entity poses a new, unique threat that is creative, especially in its use of “summoning.” The film's use of a recording studio in the house and old tapes creates a more engaging viewing experience. You can feel the homage to several other films in this genre of ghost stories.

While the film has much to offer, it has its flaws, notably its uneven sound levels that make for an uncomfortable viewing experience. When the sound is used appropriately, it's striking in its effectiveness, but there's almost “too much” at times. The jump scares often feel forced, making them more predictable than scary. Furthermore, the dark lighting obscures some of the visuals, making certain scenes problematic.

In conclusion, SOUND OF SILENCE is a unique enough horror movie that is both scary and stylish, making it a must-see for horror fans and casual moviegoers. Though it has a slow start, the film becomes more intriguing as it progresses. The skillful use of sound creates an atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge, ensuring that this movie is not one to miss.

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[photo courtesy of XYZ FILMS]