Haunting Visions Challenge Reality

Read Time:3 Minute, 47 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Activated Man
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Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 55m
Director(s): Nicholas Gyeney
Writer(s): Nicholas Gyeney
Cast: Jamie Costa, Tony Todd, Kane Hodder, Sean Young, Ivana Rojas, Edward Michael Scott, Andrew Keegan, Vladimir Kulich, Sab Shimono, Takayo Fischer, Sonia Jackson
Where To Watch: in select theaters and On Demand December 13, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Navigating through the murky waters of grief and the supernatural, THE ACTIVATED MAN explores loss and the unseen, wrapped in a chilling package of psychological and spectral suspense. Directed by Nicholas Gyeney, the film pulls the audience into a world where reality is questioned and frayed at the edges by otherworldly presences. Jamie Costa, as Ors Gabriel, embodies a man torn apart by the death of his pet, his haunting grief materializing through disturbing visions that challenge his grip on reality.

THE ACTIVATED MAN, enriched by the seasoned performances of Tony Todd, Sean Young, and Kane Hodder, delves into the depths of emotional turmoil with an engaging and unnerving narrative. Todd's portrayal of Jeffrey Bowman, a psychic who aids Ors in navigating his spectral challenges, is particularly compelling. His authoritative presence brings a robust gravitas to the film, marking yet another stellar addition to his horror portfolio.

The visual storytelling in THE ACTIVATED MAN blends stark, shadowy cinematography and seamlessly integrated CGI effects that bring the ghostly apparitions to life. 'The Fedora Man,' a particularly menacing figure (at times,) stands out as a nightmarish manifestation of Ors’s deepest fears, his presence woven into the film’s fabric with a palpable sense of dread that is hard to shake. He may have been more impactful had he stayed in the shadows and not so well-lit.

However, the film’s biggest struggle is its pacing, with some scenes lingering longer than necessary, which might test the patience of even the most dedicated viewers. A subplot involving Ivana Rojas as Sarah Reeve, which explores a series of grim murder-suicides, adds a layer of narrative complexity but sometimes diverts attention from the central storyline.

While generally enhancing the eerie atmosphere, THE ACTIVATED MAN'S sound design sometimes competes with the dialogue, muddling potentially powerful moments. Despite these audiovisual hiccups, the film's overall execution remains solid for the genre fan, effectively marrying haunting imagery with a profoundly resonant theme.

Todd's untimely passing casts a poignant shadow over his performance in THE ACTIVATED MAN, adding gravity to his already powerful portrayal of Jeffrey Bowman. Known for his deep, resonant voice and commanding presence, Todd was a beloved figure in the horror community, celebrated for his roles that often delved into the depths of human fear and supernatural lore. As one of his final performances, THE ACTIVATED MAN is a testament to his immense talent and enduring impact on the genre, leaving audiences with a memorable and stirring farewell that underscores the irreplaceable void his departure leaves in cinema.

THE ACTIVATED MAN is a well-crafted narrative that portrays the interplay between personal anguish and otherworldly phenomena. Gyeney’s direction ensures that the film not only entertains but also provokes thought, making it a compelling watch for those fascinated by the horror genre's darker, more introspective facets. It stands out as an intriguing piece of contemporary horror, weaving sensitivity and suspense into a tapestry that appeals to fans and casual viewers alike.

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[photo courtesy of GENIE, MIRROR IMAGES LTD., SAFIER ENTERTAINMENT, STONECUTTER MEDIA]

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