Witty Dialogue Amidst Blood-Soaked Battles

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Lair
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Genre: Action, Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Neil Marshall
Writer(s): Charlotte Kirk, Neil Marshall
Cast: Charlotte Kirk, Jonathan Howard, Jamie Bamber, Leon Ockenden, Troy Alexander, Harry Taurasi, Mark Strepan, Hadi Khanjanpour, Kibong Tanji, Mark Arends, Adam Bond, Alex Morgan
Where To Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, and digital release on July 17, 2023, UK, available for pre-order here www.amazon.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: Strap in for a wild ride into a cinematic experience that, according to director Neil Marshall, echoes the vibes of vintage monster thrillers such as ALIEN, PREDATOR, and THE THING – enter THE LAIR. Renowned for his monstrous tales teeming with nail-biting twists, Marshall extends a nod to his earlier work in DOG SOLDIERS, crafting a setting where nightmarish creatures engage in fierce combat with hardened warriors.

THE LAIR pulls viewers in with a high-octane aerial battle over Afghanistan. Sinclair evades a missile attack by a hair's breadth but finds herself propelled into hostile territory following a hit. Taking refuge in a desolate bunker, she unwittingly awakens the monstrous entities confined within.

The narrative unfolds amidst the stark terrain of Afghanistan, setting the stage for Captain Kate Sinclair, an audacious British aviator played with conviction by Charlotte Kirk. A devastating misfortune leaves Sinclair stranded in a bunker, home to a dark secret of unchecked biological monstrosities. Not one to water down the horror, THE LAIR showcases vivid, blood-filled scenes paired with some witty dialogue, striking a balance of thrill and entertainment.

Jonathan Howard steps into the boots of Sergeant Tom Hook, tasked with leading a specialized team to rescue Sinclair. Their on-screen chemistry adds a dash of charisma to the movie's appeal. The performances, though stoic, provoke unexpected moments of laughter, with Jamie Bamber leaving a lasting impression with his compelling portrayal of Major Roy Finch.

As Sinclair evades her pursuers, she stumbles into this abandoned military bunker, where she comes face-to-face with the grotesque Ravagers, half-human, half-alien monstrosities with a horrifying appetite for human flesh. With the spotlight trained more on action than suspense, there's a tangible need for stronger world-building to enhance the story's depth.

The movie's score, helmed by Christopher Drake, seamlessly ties into the narrative, while the practical effects are a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. Sadly when the switch is flipped to CGI at times, some of the pluses quickly disappear. Despite these strengths, the creature's fascinating design only partially hides the lack of engagement during the intense, gore-filled scenes.

Although THE LAIR charges ahead at full throttle, a richer backstory would have undoubtedly enriched the narrative. Charlotte Kirk's performance needs fine-tuning, and the overblown portrayals by the supporting cast, mixed with questionable humor, detract from the overall cinematic experience. Despite borrowing elements from DOG SOLDIERS, the script sometimes ventures into insensitive territories, making it fall short of expectations.

THE LAIR promises an electrifying journey teeming with suspense and action, despite the erratic narrative. Punctuated by moments of humor and an engaging screenplay by Neil Marshall and Charlotte Kirk, the movie offers some saving grace.

Unfortunately, THE LAIR fails to retain its grip on the audience, with a narrative woven around predictable tropes and genre clichés. The attempts to create a claustrophobic horror ambiance in the underground setting don't achieve the desired level of gripping terror.

Sinclair's character lacks authenticity; her actions and personality don't resonate with viewers, making her character fall into the traps of B-movie clichés. However, the movie does provide some amusement with blood-soaked action sequences and larger-than-life caricature-like characters.

In conclusion, THE LAIR, despite its hiccups, is not a cinematic disaster. It's lackluster screenplay and exaggerated character portrayals notwithstanding, it offers an ample dose of gore-filled action and bouts of laughter. It may need to measure up to Marshall's previous acclaimed works. I think others were unnecessarily harsh in their reviews of the film, and sometimes, you have to know what you’re getting yourself into and set your expectations accordingly. If you like violent over-the-top B-action films, this may be one of your favorite watches. I think this would make for an excellent midnight movie with friends!

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[photo courtesy of SHUDDER, ACORN MEDIA INTERNATIONAL]