Family, Frights, and Fun

Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Get Away
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Genre: Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Steffen Haars
Writer(s): Nick Frost
Cast: Nick Frost, Aisling Bea, Sebastian Croft, Maisie Ayres, Eero Milonoff
Where To Watch: in select theaters December 6, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In GET AWAY, director Steffen Haars and writer-actor Nick Frost create a “vacation” that’s anything but relaxing, immersing the audience in a blend of horror and humor that cleverly upends traditional genre expectations. Set on the idyllic shores of Svälta, the film follows the Smith family as their quest for peace is disrupted by a series of eerie and increasingly perilous encounters that unravel the sinister underbelly of this remote locale.

Richard Smith, a role embraced by Frost with a charming blend of naiveté and dad jokes, heads the family with aspirations of a serene holiday escape. Accompanied by his wife Susan, played by Aisling Bea with a perfect pitch of comedic despair, and their children, portrayed by Sebastian Croft (Sam) and Maisie Ayres (Jessie,) the family stumbles into a web of local myths and a threat lurking within the island’s shadows. Their interactions, filled with quick-witted dialogue and genuine chemistry, elevate the narrative from mere suspense to a poignant exploration of outsiders struggling against unseen forces.

The script, inspired by Frost’s own unsettling experiences on vacation, taps into universal themes of alienation and the fear of the unknown. Frost’s adept storytelling mixes these personal anxieties into the broader narrative, enhancing the film’s relatability. This personal touch grounds and amplifies the horror elements, making the Smiths’ encounters with the island’s mysteries resonate with anyone who’s ever felt out of place.

Joris Kerbosch’s cinematography captures the stark beauty of Svälta, juxtaposing its picturesque landscapes with the creeping dread that unfolds. Each frame is crafted to expand on the film’s eerie atmosphere, using the natural setting to heighten the tension and provide a chilling backdrop.

Under Haars’ direction, the film maintains a delicate balance between horror and comedy, navigating the fine line with a vision that ensures neither genre overshadows the other. The scares are genuine without being overwhelming, and the laughs come with a sharp edge, reflective of the film’s darker themes. This balance keeps the audience engaged and on edge, waiting for the next twist in the Smiths’ increasingly bizarre holiday.

GET AWAY stands out for its intelligent use of genre conventions, melding them with an engaging and reflective narrative. It challenges viewers to think about how we react to unfamiliar environments and the unseen tensions that simmer beneath surface interactions. The film might not redefine its genre, but it certainly provides a fresh perspective, making it a worthy watch for those who appreciate a story that can amuse and unsettle.

GET AWAY is an innovative, spirited film that combines scares with satire, anchored by solid performances and sharp cinematography. It's a journey to an island that promises relaxation but delivers thrills and laughs, making for a memorable movie-going experience. This is one of those experiences that leave you thinking, and the more you think about it, the more you’ll appreciate it. There are a lot of twists and turns that keep the film balanced and the viewers on their toes.

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[photo courtesy of IFC FILMS, SHUDDER]

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