Online Dating Meets Its Match

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MOVIE REVIEW
Succubus
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Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): R.J. Daniel Hanna
Writer(s): R.J. Daniel Hanna
Cast: Ron Perlman, Rosanna Arquette, Brendan Bradley, Rachel Cook, Olivia Grace Applegate, Derek Smith, Emily Kincaid, Finley Rose Slater
Where To Watch: available on VOD September 24, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: When I first saw the poster for this film, I 100% thought I knew what I was getting myself into. And then, SUCCUBUS, directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna, threw me a curveball I wasn’t expecting, transitioning from what I thought would be a predictable drama to an intense horror. Known for his contemplative dramas, Hanna brings a refreshing depth to the horror landscape, marrying eerie supernatural elements with acute social commentary. SUCCUBUS is far more than a simple fright-fest; it's a sophisticated critique of our digital entrapments, illuminating the dark corners of our online engagements with a ghostly glow.

The film tells the harrowing tale of a father, Chris (Brendan Bradley,) battling a tumultuous marriage and the relentless pressures of parenthood. In a desperate bid for distraction, he ventures into online dating, where he encounters a woman, Adra (Rachel Cook,) whose allure masks a disturbing secret: her existence may not be of this earthly realm. What begins as an innocent diversion spirals into a nightmarish journey, pushing him to the brink of reality. SUCCUBUS cleverly uses this premise to unravel the tangled web we weave with our screens, probing the intersection of virtual interaction and genuine human connection.

Hanna orchestrates a unique vision in suspense, crafting each scene to amplify the tension and deepen the atmosphere of dread. This meticulous attention to detail is mirrored in the performances he coaxes from his cast. In relatively brief cameos, veterans Ron Perlman and Rosanna Arquette help infuse the narrative with a gravitas that anchors the film’s ethereal themes. Meanwhile, newcomers Cook and Olivia Applegate as Sharon effectively embody the allure and peril of the digital world, maintaining a tightrope of tension that keeps the audience captivated.

As SUCCUBUS unfolds, it mirrors the protagonist's descent into a digital hell, reflecting our society’s obsession with online interaction. Hanna doesn’t just scare us; he uses horror as a lens to scrutinize the shadows cast by our digital lives. The film becomes a battleground, challenging the protagonist—and the audience—to confront the reality that the digital world, while connecting us in one way, may consume us in another. The film succeeds where many fail, creating these digital interactions in a very down-to-earth and authentic form. SUCCUBUS explores the psychological impacts of our connected lives. It addresses the protagonist’s internal struggles with identity and isolation, amplified by his digital escapades.

Shout! Factory supports the production; the film excels in capturing the intimate yet expansive nature of the narrative, which could unfold within the confines of any modern household, making its themes universally relatable.

SUCCUBUS sometimes treads into predictable territory, particularly as the climax nears. Introducing a few unexpected plot twists could have enhanced the film's impact, steering it away from typical genre traps and enriching its fresh perspective. Nevertheless, its reflective use of horror to echo real-world anxieties leaves a lasting impression that transcends traditional scares.

SUCCUBUS is a formidable entry into the horror genre, blending demonic frights with sharp societal observations. With Cook's subdued performance, she pulls the viewers into Chris’ world. Hanna’s skill in storytelling invites viewers into a space that is both eerily familiar and unsettlingly alien. With its strong narrative and thought-provoking themes, SUCCUBUS is set to carve a niche in the consciousness of its viewers, prompting them to reconsider the shadows they cast in the digital world.

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[photo courtesy of CONVOKE MEDIA, BONDIT MEDIA CAPITAL, BRICK LANE ENTERTAINMENT, KISS AND TALE PRODUCTIONS, PIXIUM FILM GROUP, WILD ONES ARTIST COLLECTIVE, SHOUT FACTORY]

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