I've watched a couple of former cinematic takes on Stephen Kings Boogeyman novel and this is by far, the least inspiring.
The real issue lies, in what can best be described, as the treatment of the tale of the cruel, child stalking creature, that potentially lives in every closet.
Its tone is obsessively analysing, of the dysfunctional family dynamic, to the point of neurosis. Yes, grieving families don't work too well, unsurprisingly. The less than optimistic over statement of this fact, overtakes the actual horror story. This, in turn, renders this film, too dark and too depressing, for its own good.
The results a predictable, not terribly enjoyable watch, that left this reviewer feeling a little washed out and disappointed.
In summary, the too dark and maudlin treatment, robs this film of the glimmer of hope, that lies at the heart of any half decent, horror film.
Based on a 1973 short story of Stephen King, the movie itself doesn't bring neither anything new and follows the pragmatic of 80% of the terror movies out there.
The issue isn't the style of Stephen King, that is more than know today, but the way you convey it on a screenplay. It simply didn't have any jump scare of of the obvious.
I expected a bit more from Rob Savage ("The Host" released in lockdown, and that I still need do see) but it wasn't this time. The actors are ok in their roles but nothing much there.
I still search to find another horror movie that innovates somehow, but it gets harder and harder. Basing the horror around a real character instead of fictional also didn't help at all, because all the logic you can make of how defeating it (that isn't so hard) is lost in the way...oh and yeah it left a little of the closet door open for a sequence.
For this one a 5,0 out of 10,0 score / C.
