User reviews

This movie is not perfect. For those who expect perfection, you'll be hard to please with this one.

I've read some negative reviews and many of them seem to be harping on how the lead actress is pregnant when her husband has been missing for 7 years or whether the events that transpired are supposed to be mere hallucinations of her younger drug-addicted sister. These things are definitely clarified in the movie, so if you find yourself being bothered by such trivial matters, you probably weren't paying attention.

The scary/horrifying moments are good; some of them did send shivers up my spine. The possibilities of what caused the horrific events are explained, and it's a phenomena that is in fact discussed in the real world. So its not entirely a senseless fantasy.

Yes there are moments that seem unexplained, but again, with enough attention paid, you'll be able to figure out why this character was doing that or why that character said this. In a way, this movie reminds me of Rosemary's Baby, in that much is left up to your imagination; no in-your-face creatures and gore. BUT this is definitely MUCH BETTER than Rosemary's Baby as just the right amount is revealed to terrify while just the right amount is left a mystery, for added suspense and thrill.

In my opinion, it worked. I'd give this a 6 only because the soundtrack of the movie bothered me a little. But it deserves a 6.5. I mean Rosemary's Baby annoyed the crap out of me for too much was left unknown and unseen. Yet that's got a whopping 8/10. Give this movie a shot.

"Absentia" actually turned out to be a rather nice surprise of a movie. I must admit that I had expected somewhat more horror from it, whereas it turned out to be a character driven mystery instead. But still, it was quite nice.

The story is about Tricia Riley (played by Courtney Bell) whose husband Daniel Riley (played by Morgan Peter Brown) has been missing for seven years, and now ready to have the death certificate issued and brought the case to a closure, something unexpected happens...

The movie is slow paced, but that actually works out well enough in favor of the movie, as it helps to build the setting and set up the mood for the entire story. The director, Mike Flanagan, is great at adding little bits to the story while building up a good sense of mystery and dread, and at the same time leaving almost everything up to the imagination of the viewer.

"Absentia" was really brought to life on the screen by the people they had cast for the various roles. Sure this wasn't a major Hollywood production with an obscene amount of money put into the project, but Mike Flanagan proves that you don't need a ridiculously huge budget in order to make a memorable movie that sinks right in. So despite it being a smaller budget movie, the end result was far better than what I had expected.

If you like movies that are thick on suspense and a dire mood, then "Absentia" is well worth checking out. Don't watch this movie with the hopes or intentions to be scared out of your brain, because it is just not that type of horror movie.

I was thoroughly entertained by "Absentia" and I do love it when I happen to fall upon the odd movie here and there that is a gem in disguise. And it was a nice treat to sit in the dark and sort of being fed just enough information to make you start to think and try to figure out what was going on, and at the end being left in the dark to draw your own conclusions as to what was really going on.

Thumbs way up for "Absentia".

While I try to be more lenient with Low Budget productions, I still try and give my honest opinion on what I saw. It mas made very well and all the actors did a fine job.. But for me suspenseful thrillers should keep building and then have a satisfying climax. Unfortunately Absentia does neither... It starts off by creating an eerie atmosphere, offers several paths to take, but then just keeps doing that same attempt to pull you in over and over.. Once you already "pulled" the audience in,, you should then take them on a wild ride forward, not keep repeating the previous premises till it's monotonous,,.. Anyway, it was okay for a single viewing and I do wish all involved the best of luck on their next adventure...

An early film from Director Mike Flanagan, ABSENTIA is about sisters Tricia (Courtney Bell) and Callie (Catherine Parker). Tricia has finally decided to have her missing husband declared dead in absentia, after 7 years. Unfortunately, it's not that simple, and bizarre circumstances unfold that point to something far more sinister than a disappearance.

Dark, mysterious, and, in spots, terrifying, this low budget film is evidence of what can be accomplished with some imagination and talent. While there are no big special effects, there is a well-written story, as well as great acting from the principal characters.

The strained yet close relationship between Tricia and Callie feels authentic, and their dialogue is natural / unforced. This makes the otherworldly threat they face seem more real, and in the end, more devastating. Ultimately, this is a tale of love and tragic loss, accentuated by horror. There's a tie-in to folklore that helps to flesh things out.

Creepy, disturbing, and satisfying...

ABSENTIA marks a refreshing change for the low budget horror genre; there are no lame zombies here or psycho killers torturing their nubile victims. Instead, this is a sweeping, Lovecraftian episode in creeping terror, a subtle production where it's all about what you don't see rather than what you do. There are few clichés or stock jump scenes here, just originality shining through instead.

The entire movie is set around a creepy haunted subway and it's here that the director really shines. Mike Flanagan knows what works when it comes to building a sense of unease and undefined tension on the screen and a wonderfully evocative score really adds to the experience. Some viewers may be put off by the fact that the film's just too subtle in places - it could easily be described as one of those movies where "nothing much happens", like THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT - but like BLAIR WITCH it knows what it's doing.

There are flaws here, not least a slightly overwrought script and some particularly unsympathetic characters who do little to gain the viewer's sympathy or indeed attention. Courtney Bell is saddled with the most uninteresting part, although at least Katie Parker's character has a little more conflict with her druggie background. Still, ABSENTIA is a film where the characters come a distinct second in comparison to the genuine suspense and fear built up elsewhere. Watch out for a creepy cameo from Doug Jones.

This was a good effort for a small budget independent horror film. I think some ideas were promising - for example, there's a great twist in there around half way through that makes you go "hmm, I wonder where they will take this" which is fantastic. You don't get to think that a lot in horror films. The first half has some generic scary scenes - I wish it wasn't just a man with white makeup making a scary face because it's been overdone. It's not haunting. But, good overall pacing. However, instead of really turning the second half into something quite scary or chilling, the explanation for what's going on falls flat. Without ruining the story, when the "reveal" happens it's just not scary whatsoever. One of the characters goes on a little rant to explain it all to her sister and it's quite comical (not sure if that was intentional or not, but it came across as silly). Instead of leaving some ambiguity at the end, everything is beat over our head again and again and it feels too forced. I think if some things were pulled back a tad and executed slightly differently, this film would have been more successful. The acting was good (no complaints there) and the use of the tunnel imagery was nice. Some comical scenes between the cop and the sisters were chuckle worthy as well. Overall, not bad. But, unfortunately, not the hyped up film I was expecting. Taking into consideration that this is an independent horror film, I would give it 6/10. But, as a film overall I'll stick with the 5.

This movie was great, the actors were believable and what little they showed of the monster was creepy. Anyone with a brain would of bounced the moment they piece what's going on. Especially what happened around late middle of the movie. I so would of left that area and live in a car somewhere far far away from that place. The ending was interesting and I wish they explained more of what the monster wants.

So far I haven't seen a flick directed by Mike Flanagan and this doesn't add his name to my 'directors look out' list. It's a bit difficult to review this flick because it goes very slowly and somehow you just wants to know what is in the tunnel. But it's clearly to see that it is a low budget flick because there are in fact no effects used.

By doing so you need a good script. And the script was okay but still sometimes it all took a bit too long or some scene's did reappear like the praying in the bed room or the yoga stuff. But you kept looking due the acting. I can't say that they did it bad. Katie Parker (Callie) and Courtney Bell (Tricia) did well and were believable and had to say so many lines here because there's a lot of talking going on. Even as there isn't any red stuff in it or effects it's them who made it watchable. And they are just in the business so a big cheer to them both.

At the end you are still full of unsolved questions and not everything is explained but it's worth looking at. This flick shows that a flick full of blah blah isn't always struggle to get through. Not exactly my kind of horror but I'm sure due the situations that you surely knew such a place, read tunnel, in your neighborhood that looks creepy.

Gore 1/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 1/5 Story 3/5 Comedy 0/5

This somber yet deeply unsettling film managed to give me the willies even in the less-than-ideal Horrorhound Weekend screening.

Not soon after a pregnant woman (Katie Parker) declares her missing husband (Morgan Peter Brown) legally dead, she begins to having terrifying visions that hint that maybe she spoke too quickly. Writer/director Flanagan pulls off an incredible feat with this film. He manages to reinvent the ghost story, then takes it to an unexpected, even creepier place.

Don't be fooled by the show-burn pacing, because the almost-suffocating tension had me squirming in my seat, forgetting to breathe.

It's been almost a year since I've seen ABSENTIA. What haunts me most is not the disturbing visuals or even the deeply unsettling story line. It's the mood. When I simply think about the title, I hear in my head its stark, two-note funeral organ score and my chest wells up with emotions not usually incurred by watching a horror movie: grief, loss and perhaps the most terrifying of all…the dread of inevitability.

Toss in a pitch perfect cast, including a heart-wrenching cameo from the always delicious Doug Jones, and BOOM! You've got my favorite horror movie of 2011.

Does it have its flaws yes, were their unanswered questions, yes, is it worth watching anyway...YES. It didn't have that big reveal or huge ending but it did answer questions we had. Overall with a bigger budget and more time this would have been a huge hit. The story and execution was excellent and if you like a low scare low or no gore horror here you go. No money for special effects but the director does a good job of not needing them. Had no idea this was a Mike Flanagan if I did I would have seen it a LONG time a go.

Dogs as sacrifices, a hoarding insect monster, hallucinations (or hauntings) by a not-quite dead husband, a sister back from rehab with a mysterious past- this movie has so many crazy elements (both clichéd and unusual) that it had the potential to be a real mess. Instead, sincere acting and good use of limited resources make for a worthwhile effort in the indie scare genre.

As Tricia tries to move on from the death of her husband, she has to face a new challenge as her sister Callie comes to stay with her. Continually haunted by visions (or hallucinations?) of her husband's deathly pale, bruised form as she finally has him declared legally dead, Tricia tries meditation to try to calm her frayed nerves. Caught in the trappings her the traumatic end of her marriage, even her pregnancy hasn't allowed her to move on or out of the house the two of them shared. At first it seems as though Callie's influence and clear-headed insights gained from her post-rehab life may help Tricia to make the jump. Her practical advice helps Tricia choose an apartment and begin packing up.

Across the street from Tricia and Daniel's house is the entrance to a tunnel- the usual concrete-and-graffiti-style hole you might find in a number of suburban neighborhoods. Callie doesn't hesitate to go through it as a shortcut on her daily run the first morning she spends with Tricia. On her way back, she encounters a man lying on the ground in the tunnel who looks malnourished and possibly homeless- she thinks she recognizes a fellow addict, and is reluctant to brush him off completely when he pleads incoherently with her for help. She returns later that night to bring him food, a gift that sets in motion a dark and surprising series of events.

The acting in this film is subtle, the relationships between the characters both believable and engaging as new secrets and twists are revealed, and the quiet little neighborhood takes on a satisfyingly sinister cast as things start to deteriorate between the sisters and Tricia's newfound peace of mind.

Less smooth is the last 1/3 of the story- I am still in the dark about WHAT it was exactly that caused Daniel's disappearance and why his warnings to his family and the police go un-deciphered. The ending, also, left something to be desired- you can sense a theme of sacrifice tied to some kind of metaphor about Callie's drug addiction and un- tethered lifestyle, but the final scene doesn't capitalize on this at all.

Overall I enjoyed most of this film, and I especially enjoyed watching a low-budget film that the actors, producers and directors had clearly put a lot of talent and energy into.

Visit romyandmichelefreakout@blogspot.com for more horror reviews!

After enjoying Ouija origin of evil and hush, and after ADORING oculus, i decided to watch some of flanagan's other movies. you can see his raw talent at work in this indy flick. you could definitely feel the low-budget nature of the movie, but you could also feel the clever story-telling and creative scares, not to mention the general sense of dread and suspense. i had a good time with this movie (1 viewing, 3/21/2021)

Okay. My wife and I are at the redbox and we come to that point where we look at each other because everything good is rented out. we scroll through and both agree upon THIS movie...sadly.

Aside from the all too hitting-in-the-face-fact that you can tell this flick is shot like a home movie..you know...the whole shaky camera thing...obvious from the start. To say this movie takes a while to get going is a bit of an understatement. I wanted to do the one thing I ALWAYS do during a bad movie...FASTFORWARD. But I gave the movie the benefit of the doubt. I know as a professional horror movie renter that 99% of all horror movies do NOT end well. I accept this. But this ending just...well after watching the WHOLE movie...it just blows...sorry. I would advise against renting this one. Instead...I hear the watching paint dry channel has a new special...shades of blue. Check it out...

I actually created an account just to say I thought this movie was awful. Big fan of horror films and I'm absolutely not a credible person to critique any movie with confidence; but the only reason I watched the entire length was for the hope that Something! Would happen. Never came. I realize it was low budget and for that I give it to the directors and producers. But was very let down. It did have a few creepy moments but they alone couldn't outweigh the boredom I got from this Movie. Very uneventful. I will say that I do have hope for the future films Of mike Flanagan, I believe this movie could have been better with a larger budget and the premise was great, it just never really pulled me into to the storyline or the characters.

I do not really understand why the average rate of Absentia is so low. Well, maybe I do understand, if you watch this horror with the expectations that you get a fast paced gore filled typical horror movie, you will be disappointed. Absentia is a slow one, and it basically has no real gore. So just skip it if that's what you are going for, and save this little gem the downrates which it really doesn't deserve.

Now, that having sad, Absentia has something different to offer. It's not per say in the storyline itself, which, when you read it, doesn't seem too original. What it's got to offer is mainly in the mood. The soundtrack, which is relatively minimum, really adds to the claustrophobic and depressing atmosphere. The acting is well done, realistic and believable, and the characters are well worked out and take the plot to a higher level. There are some weird things in the plot that make you wonder what is really going on. It gives the perfect sense of mystery, never fully explaining it, but definitely enough to leave you satisfied.

I found Absentia more of an experience, though it doesn't come short to the story at all. Things may or may not make sense, and you might wonder a couple of times how much comes to perception and how much of it is really happening, it doesn't take anything away from the story or from the mood. It only adds to it.

I was a bit reluctant when I put the DVD into my player but all my doubts faded away within the first minutes. The movie is perfectly shot, everything just works really really well. I am very pleasantly surprised and think it certainly belongs to one of the best horror movies of 2011.

The only bad thing I have to say about it is that a few times I found it hard to follow the dialogue (mumbling) and had to rewind to listen to it again.

Watch it if you get the chance, and if you like horror which crawls deeply under your skin. Do not watch it if you want action and gore.

I saw this film as part of the Imagine film festival (SF/fantasy/horror) Amsterdam 2012. It was labeled as horror, and thus had lots of scary moments. Some however were of the simplistic "shock only" category, and needed some improvement to leave a notable impact on the viewer.

The film could also be labeled as a thriller. It showed many good features to deserve such a categorization. Throughout the story it remained unclear what was real and what not. And, of course, relatives and policemen didn't believe our main character. She was sent away with explanations like drug usage, or that she was suffering from a trauma due to personal loss.

Some things in the scenario left me confused, as if the writers tried to get the best of two worlds. The horror aspect of the story produced ghostly appearances in the house (several) and in the tunnel nearby (a few). On the other hand, the thriller aspect suggested an explanation "underneath" that a semi-hell world exists, some temporary dwelling place between heaven and hell. In the latter case, it was unclear why some "inhabitants" of this hidden world were allowed to show themselves to the living.

All in all, this film was not bad but also not very good. Maybe the scenario writers should have made up their mind. They now seem wavered halfway between horror and thriller, thus leaving us with a product that is not very good at either.

I watch horror movies for 2 reasons. Obviously to be scared/thrilled, but more importantly to see a creative story. This lacked both of these completely.

Any movie filmed in dark houses and with creepy music will be slightly scary (think boogeyman from the Disney channel) There are probably 3 parts in this movie in entirety that are even close to being scary and they desperately fall short.

Now for the story. Good idea, I can dig it, but missed the mark completely, there are way too many unanswered questions and parts of the movie that just don't make sense and with no elaboration on the many of the minor themes, you're just confused and bothered that you just wasted a short 80 minutes.

At one point they mention atoms and how everything is just space and then change the subject after like 30 seconds. Very very poor job there.

In short, too ambitious, all over the place, confusing, boring, corny at times, not worth it. The three stars are for the fact its made with 70 grand, that is just straight up damn impressive. Nice job there.