Alex M
Wow, what a surprise.
You'd think with the title and topic of "Succubus", this movie would be cinema junk food for dudes to get a little thrill while drunk. But I think the makers of this sat down and said "what if we were to try to do this monster seriously?".
Succubus is such an attempt, one that it very impressively pulls off. There is an overall story with a likeable main character played by Brendon Bradley who has relatable difficulties. He's not just some young dude looking for some tail on a Friday night, but one with genuine troubles and insecurities regarding his family that many men have had. That's what makes the Succubus so alluring; she's not just beyond sexy, but can speak to those troubles men often keep buried. But that's the sweetness that lures in, and that's where a lot of genuine horror occurs that does chill one's breath. Truly, I was uncertain the succubus monster could be a scary concept, but I was wrong.
Of course, it took good production as a horror movie with good use of camera, lighting, sound, and pace. All of this was done with care and if it hadn't, I am certain this would have fallen flat. But that, combined a few great performances by our main characters really brought it home.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
01/10/25
Full Review
EDWARD M
Absolutely brilliant 👍
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
12/31/24
Full Review
Ben Y
Wow, surprisingly awesome movie! Definitely one of the best low budget Horror flicks I've seen in a while. Loved it! The ending is Crazy
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
12/30/24
Full Review
Ricardo d
Uma ótima idéia, tratar da luxúria cada vez mais aberta nos dias de hoje, com a demonologia e os Succubus. O roteiro tem momentos muito bons, mas outros que deixam pendências, como por exemplo a relação do astrofísico com a diaba. Os últimos 20 minutos parecem uma sucessão de finais alternativos. Sério, quando pensava que tinha acabado, a legenda não subia, e isso por algumas vezes. Quer dizer, poderia ter acabado de diversas formas, mas o diretor optou pela que consta no fim, e talvez não seja a minha preferida, mas não destoa do contexto. As atuações são medianas, e a maquiagem também. Porém a fotografia é bem interessante.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
11/24/24
Full Review
Liam P
Lost in the Labyrinth: Where Lust and Longing Collide in the Pixelated Dark:
This film is not simply a horror movie; it’s a captivating exploration of human fragility in the digital age, a visceral descent into the isolating depths of loneliness and desire. It’s a story told in the flickering glow of screens, in the hushed whispers of late-night video calls, and in the raw, unflinching portrayal of a man on the brink.
Brendan Bradley delivers a performance of astonishing vulnerability as Chris, the weary single father navigating the wreckage of a broken marriage. He doesn't just portray loneliness; he embodies it. We feel the weight of his exhaustion in the slump of his shoulders, the tremor in his voice during strained FaceTime conversations with his estranged wife, Sharon (Olivia Grace Applegate, delivering a performance of quiet strength and palpable anxiety). We witness his yearning for connection in every hesitant swipe on his dating app, a modern ritual of hope and rejection played out in the cold light of his phone. While other reviews have focused on Rachel Cook's undeniable allure as Adra, it's the terrifying juxtaposition of her ethereal beauty with the chilling emptiness behind her eyes that truly elevates this movie. Adra is not just any seductive character. From the moment her luminescent, sensual gaze captures Chris, Cook’s performance crackles with a sinister energy, embodying the age-old temptation of a man seeking relief from the crushing pain of loneliness.
R.J. Daniel Hanna’s direction is masterful, wielding cinematic language with precision. His inventive camera usage gives the film its power. What some have mistakenly dismissed as a low-budget aesthetic is a brilliant use of visual metaphor, turning the mundane into the menacing. The tight framing of the initial screen-based scenes reinforces the sense of being boxed in. As the story intensifies and Adra draws Chris further into her world, the frame expands, especially during scenes of Adra in her horrifying true succubus persona. These scenes, best viewed on a large screen, possess a visceral, otherworldly power that will burn indelible images into viewers' imaginations long after the film ends. The subtly pulsing electronic score by Andrew Brick Johnson amplifies the creeping dread and the tension simmers during Chris and Adra's disturbing online rendezvous, becoming a terrifying, sadistic, yet darkly prescient crescendo. Hanna masterfully balances the eroticism of the genre with a thought-provoking discourse about how genuine intimacy manifests in our current reality.
Critics might mistakenly criticize the often exaggerated dialogue. However, it serves as symbolic caricature and a thought-provoking modern trope. The disjointed conversations highlight the chaotic dissonance created by our digital lives. Through masterful editing and intimate setting intercuts, such as when Eddie flirts with Adra while his mortified mother unknowingly yells at him through his monitor, the film captures the tragicomedy of colliding digital worlds. Ron Perlman as Dr. Zephyr brings an unsettling gravitas to the film. His pained intensity and quiet desperation in his attempts to communicate across the digital divide to a lost soul embody the movie’s key themes. Perlman masterfully encapsulates the universal desire for a safe, meaningful, and genuine connection, no matter the cost. The fact that his scenes were filmed in virtual isolation enhances the unnerving nature of his character, a victim of his own descent alongside Chris.
With reality colliding profoundly with demonic desire and the need for connection, Succubus sets a new standard in horror. It explores how these desires manifest in the digital age, raising a disturbing question: as we open ourselves to the digital void, will those whispers haunt us too, these desires as old as time itself?
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/01/24
Full Review
B. D
A Modern Horror Masterpiece: Succubus Redefines Genre. Succubus is a captivating and innovative horror thriller that skillfully blends the supernatural with anxieties of modern dating. Writer-director R.J. Daniel Hanna delivers a stylish and suspenseful film that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Brendan Bradley shines as Chris, a vulnerable father navigating a separation and seeking connection in the digital world. His performance captures the raw emotion of loneliness and longing, making him instantly relatable. Rachel Cook is mesmerizing as Adra, the seductive succubus who ensnares Chris in her web. Her portrayal is both alluring and terrifying, perfectly balancing vulnerability with a chillingly sinister undercurrent. Ron Perlman delivers a powerful supporting performance as the enigmatic Dr. Zephyr, adding another layer of intrigue. The film's unique approach to storytelling, seamlessly integrating "screenlife" elements with traditional cinematography, is a testament to Hanna's innovative vision. The "red room" sequences are visually stunning and emotionally disturbing, showcasing technical mastery. The subtly pulsing electronic score and sharp editing further enhance the suspenseful atmosphere, creating a truly immersive experience. Succubus is not just a horror film; it's a thought-provoking exploration of human connection, isolation, and the dark side of desire in the digital age. Its clever use of symbolism and social commentary elevates it beyond typical genre conventions, making it a must-see for fans of horror and thought-provoking cinema alike. Rachel Cook's Special Mention Best Actress award at Grimmfest and the film's Audience Award are well-deserved recognitions. A triumph of contemporary horror.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/26/24
Full Review
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