I had high expectations for the movie and it is not everyday that such movies meet my expectations. I did have some problems with it but overall it is quite effective.
The setting is incredible. The suburban setting really works well in generating a creepy atmosphere. The music is effective and again, it is this style that really works rather than over the top loud music in horror movies. Predictability is not a factor and there is enough time spent in slowly building up atmosphere. There are scenes which are humorous as well and they are never the slapstick style.
The creature itself is creepy. It reminded me of the Thing to some extent. It is not the same concept of course but the fact that it could appear in any form seemed similar. The tall guy damn - that had the biggest impact in the cinema where I was watching it. The lack of too many jump scares was also refreshing. The introduction scene was also a highlight. Another thing I liked was that the movie doesn't exactly hold back and some of the scenes are disturbing, especially that scene with the mother (or It pretending to be the mother).
I did think the pool scene was a problem. I don't think it fits in with the rest of the movie and it doesn't make much sense. While it is well done, I think maybe the scene doesn't have an impact. Regarding the ending, maybe it could have been better. I was not so satisfied with the ending. Another thing I wondered - what about the parents? I don't remember the parents much at all. The students were just roaming around with no restriction whatsoever. American culture I guess..
Overall I loved the movie but it has some problems.
7/10
The setting is incredible. The suburban setting really works well in generating a creepy atmosphere. The music is effective and again, it is this style that really works rather than over the top loud music in horror movies. Predictability is not a factor and there is enough time spent in slowly building up atmosphere. There are scenes which are humorous as well and they are never the slapstick style.
The creature itself is creepy. It reminded me of the Thing to some extent. It is not the same concept of course but the fact that it could appear in any form seemed similar. The tall guy damn - that had the biggest impact in the cinema where I was watching it. The lack of too many jump scares was also refreshing. The introduction scene was also a highlight. Another thing I liked was that the movie doesn't exactly hold back and some of the scenes are disturbing, especially that scene with the mother (or It pretending to be the mother).
I did think the pool scene was a problem. I don't think it fits in with the rest of the movie and it doesn't make much sense. While it is well done, I think maybe the scene doesn't have an impact. Regarding the ending, maybe it could have been better. I was not so satisfied with the ending. Another thing I wondered - what about the parents? I don't remember the parents much at all. The students were just roaming around with no restriction whatsoever. American culture I guess..
Overall I loved the movie but it has some problems.
7/10