The Grudge

**Deserves massive re-evaluation** Yet again, it feels like nobody even gave this film a chance. The original films were the same repeated slop of someone entering a place, a bunch of visions and then death. So, I find it strange how nobody has an issue with the lack of story in those films. Nicolas Pesce actually attempts to tell something brand new while retraining the classic Grudge formula. Each storyline isn't meant to connect like a drama; it's meant to connect thematically like an anthology series. The storylines show how the curse preys on human weakness, which parallels the way people try to suppress emotions or trauma instead of confronting them. It explores parenting burnout, not accepting self-mental illness or the mental illness of others, and refusing to face the issues head-on. Even if you ignore the story, you can't deny the amazing atmosphere, cinematography and sound design. I agree that the timeline crosscutting was an odd choice, but you can blame studio interference for that. I hope this film gets re-evaluated in the future.

Although handsomely shot, with several good actors doing their best and a small handful of unsettling visuals, 'The Grudge' is ultimately a dull, disjointed mess that is riddled with cheap “boo!“ moments. I hope Pesce rebounds quickly from this failed effort in franchise-building and gets back to making the kind of idiosyncratic films he's clearly capable of. - Jake Watt Read Jake's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-grudge-the-movie-reboot-curse-claims-another-victim

Despite a fine cast, this latest entry (and quasi reboot) is pretty dull. I did like some of Pesce's direction and shots, but far too many of the cliched zingers from these supernatural-horror films. Probably won't remember very much about this in a few days (if not less)... **1.75/5**