Who would've thought demon removal could be done without a priest? That's why I like this film. It's an original spin on the tried and true demonic possession narrative. This is slow burn horror which plays out fairly well. A fierce, single mother battling debt, alcoholism, her own volatile emotions, the world....and little does she know, an actual demonic presence too. Lee Daniels and the other writers did a phenomenal job writing a metaphorical, horror screenplay. This one has a heavy kind of fear. Psychologically and paranormally. Everyone in the house is afraid of each other, the outside world, and whatever is happening to all of them. My husband wondered if I was in a trance while watching this. That's how compelling this story was. But then...
Here's where Lee Daniel drove his film off the road and into the cornfields. The SFX scenes which occur more towards the end. Less is more. Our imaginations will conjure up far more frightening scenes than you could ever create with SFX. Sound effects are very effective and could've been utilized more instead of the graphic visuals. There aren't many of these scenes. My advice, close your eyes and listen to the sound effects. You're not missing anything vital.
The film was brilliantly casted. And the performances were on par, with what the actors were given. In my opinion, the characters could've been developed a bit more. There was enough of a connection for me to like them and fear for them, but I really wanted to know this family.
Overall, it's a unique horror film that's fairly well written with a very talented cast. I'm glad we're starting to see more smart, metaphorical horror, films, (but please, lose the bad SFX). This one's worth a watch. Enjoy.
