Hard to sum up Wan hell of a bonkers ride
Big reveal will divide your emotions
Occasionally a film comes around that leaves you
speechless.
Fortunately for the purposes of this review, I have plenty to say about Malignant, but you’re unlikely to see a more bonkers movie this year.
Director James Wan (Insidious, The Conjuring) knows how to tingle spines and he does it again here – along with stirring many other emotions.
From the arresting but over-the-top prologue, complete with blood, broken bones and static electricity, it’s clear Malignant isn’t your run-of-the-mill horror flick.
The basic plot sees Annabelle Wallis’ Madison paralysed by shocking visions of grisly murders but to say there’s a lot more to it would be an understatement of epic proportions.
Wan uses his trademark pans and zooms as his camera investigates its surroundings and there’s a great eyein-the-sky scene that makes it look like Madison is navigating a maze.
Lots of shots look like they were lit by torchlight, Wan has an uncanny knack for making locations – even a single room and cupboard – expansive, and he films an eye-catching cop-killer chase sequence.
Much of Malignant is Wan’s first stab at a slasher flick, albeit one with a seemingly supernatural murderer who is also capable of kidnapping and fashioning a weapon.
The antagonist communicates via radio, phone and TV white noise using a creepy voice and up until the third act Wallis is given little to do but be traumatised and scream a lot.
Then we have the big reveal... and oh boy, it’s a doozy. Equal parts ingenious and head-smacking, Wan flips his movie – and Wallis’ performance – on its head in stunning fashion.
The last 20 minutes are pure insanity, including a jail cell scene that makes Wentworth look like Chicken Run.
It’s difficult to sum up exactly how I feel about Malignant, and I’m not even sure repeat viewings will make things any clearer.
One thing is for sure, you won’t forget it in a hurry while, no matter what you think of the story and its twists, it’s definitely a film elevated by Wan’s firstclass direction.
●Are you a fan of James Wan’s movies? Pop me an email at ian.bunting@ reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.