Echoes of the Future in Today’s Struggle

Read Time:3 Minute, 50 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
History of Evil
–

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Bo Mirhosseni
Writer(s): Bo Mirhosseni
Cast: Paul Wesley, Jackie Cruz, Murphee Bloom, Rhonda Johnsson Dents
Where To Watch: available February 23, 2024 on Shudder

RAVING REVIEW: In the shadowy world of the near future in 2045, HISTORY OF EVIL takes us to a dystopian landscape that eerily reflects our current societal possibilities. Directed by Bo Mirhosseni, this film attempts to blend the stark terror of authoritarianism with the chilling whispers of the supernatural, all through the eyes of the Dyer family—Alegre, Ron, and Daria. As they navigate a society torn apart by theocratic rule, their battle with an evil presence in their home adds a layer of complexity to their fight for survival. This ambitious crossover between genres sets the stage for a narrative filled with tension, albeit one that sometimes stumbles in its execution.

Mirhosseni, stepping behind the camera for the first time, looks into a narrative rich with themes of political oppression, familial bonds, and the fight against an unseen enemy. The Dyer family's struggle symbolizes the broader resistance against a regime that seeks to control every aspect of personal freedom. Their story blends high stakes and intimate horrors, creating an expansive and personally terrifying backdrop. However, the film's attempt to marry the political turmoil of a dystopian future with the hauntings of a spectral antagonist often feels like a narrative tug-of-war, where neither side gains full traction. Overall, I get what they were going for, but instead of being straightforward, it adds some context that uses shadows and the supernatural.

The fragmented America presented in HISTORY OF EVIL is a fertile ground for exploring the depths of human resilience against tyranny. The Dyers' affiliation with the Resistance shines as a glimmer of hope in a reality where darkness seems to have won. Yet, this external struggle is paralleled by their internal confrontation with the eerie entities that haunt their sanctuary, making their journey a multifaceted battle for survival. At times, the film feels like a “future documentary” about what could happen to the country if people don’t realize what’s at stake and continue to be enabled by hatred.

While the film boasts moments of brilliance in its atmospheric and visual execution, its narrative coherence suffers under the weight of its ambitious thematic endeavors. The performances, especially by Jackie Cruz and Paul Wesley, add to the film, but the script sometimes leaves their characters' potential unfulfilled. The exploration of themes such as extremism and nationalistic fervor, though relevant, often feels overshadowed by the film's foray into horror, diluting the impact of both narratives. HISTORY OF EVIL tries to use its visuals and atmosphere to create scenes that resonate with viewers.

Ultimately, HISTORY OF EVIL invites its audience to ponder the parallels between its fictional world and our own, urging a reflection on the trajectories of our societies. While it may falter in achieving a perfect blend of horror and dystopia, the film's bold exploration of such themes underscores the importance of speculative fiction in examining and critiquing our reality. Mirhosseni's debut may be a mixed bag of success. Still, it undeniably contributes to how we envision our future and the forces that could shape it. This speculative journey remains an essential message to viewers and an endeavor to challenge them with visions of what might be if we heed the lessons it imparts.

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of SHUDDER]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.