MOVIE REVIEW
The Visit (4K UHD)
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Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2015, 2024 Kino Lorber 4K
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): M. Night Shyamalan
Writer(s): M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould, Deanna Dunagan, Peter McRobbie, Kathryn Hahn, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Patch Darragh, Jorge Cordova, Benjamin Kanes
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: When you watch M. Night Shyamalan’s THE VISIT, you're exploring a labyrinth of dark family secrets wrapped in the cloak of suspense. The story unfolds around Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and Tyler (Ed Oxenbould,) siblings driven by a longing to uncover the mysteries of their estranged grandparents. Armed with a camera and a budding filmmaker's zeal, Becca seeks to capture what starts as a family reunion but soon spirals into something far more foreboding.

As they enter the seemingly peaceful farmhouse, what initially appears as a sanctuary slowly distorts into a den of horror. The grandparents, brought to life with chilling realism by Deanna Dunagan ‘Nana’ and Peter McRobbie ‘Pop Pop,’ begin displaying unsettling behaviors that intensify with the setting sun. Once dismissed as mere eccentricities of old age, the oddities escalate into genuine causes for alarm, pushing Becca and Tyler from mere discomfort to fear.

Employing the found-footage style, Shyamalan magnifies the narrative's authenticity, pulling viewers into the vortex of unfolding terror. This technique makes every shadow and whisper personal and terrifying, with DeJonge and Oxenbould delivering compelling performances that capture a tangible brother-sister dynamic amidst mounting dread.

Beyond the conventional scares, THE VISIT delves into the theme of technology-exacerbated communication breakdowns. The distant, pixelated interactions between the siblings and their mother (Kathryn Hahn) via video calls underscore a modern dilemma: the inadequacy of digital communication in genuinely connecting human emotions and bridging generational divides.

The setting of the farmhouse amplifies this tension, as its isolation from the outside world mirrors the escalating chaos within. The cinematography contrasts the calm of the rural exterior against the internal disarray, setting the stage for a crescendo of psychological terror.

Shyamalan doesn't just rely on horror tropes; he expands on the narrative with character development and a plot twist that compels audiences to reevaluate the storyline. This twist enhances the film's depth and reaffirms Shyamalan's prowess in crafting compelling horror narratives that challenge viewers' perceptions.

Despite receiving varied reviews, THE VISIT marked a notable comeback for Shyamalan. It showcased his skillset at blending psychological intrigue with supernatural elements on a lean budget, and the film's box office success is a testament to his ability to captivate and engage audiences effectively. However, he’s been on a rollercoaster of successes and failures eversense. 

The film addresses societal perceptions of older people. The grandparents' odd behaviors, initially dismissed as aging symptoms, are revealed to have more profound implications. This encourages viewers to confront their biases and sparks dialogue on elder treatment in society.

THE VISIT is a welcome showcase of Shyamalan's narrative abilities. It weaves horror elements with a deep dive into family relationships. The film entertains and provokes thought about the complexities of bonds and the shadows of unresolved pasts, delivering all the expected chills and twists in a uniquely engaging package.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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