Stanley W
The creators definitely had an understanding of the creature behind the myth, so to speak. Rachel Cook turns in an amazing depiction of the enigmatic and supernaturally seductive "monster" making her sympathetic enough to generate empathy and enough moral ambiguity to make the viewer question the line between good and evil. Great take on a tragically under-utilised story vehicle (how many stories can we squeeze out of vampires, after all? It's time for some slinky heroines and villainesses!)
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
04/21/25
Full Review
Eliot H
Under the ghostly luminescence of a smartphone screen—where a single droplet of light shimmers like an omen—Succubus unfolds its hypnotic tale. In this modern fable, Chris, a weary new father wrestling with the isolation of his crumbling personal life, dares to plunge into the digital dating abyss. What begins as an innocuous swipe soon spirals into a realm where every message teases with forbidden promise and every pixel whispers ancient secrets. Rachel Cook delivers a tour de force as Adra, a woman whose beguiling vulnerability masks an intoxicating surge of demonic power. In her every glance and measured word, Cook transforms the screen into a portal where timeless seduction meets modern despair. Equally compelling, Brendan Bradley infuses Chris with palpable vulnerability, drawing us into his quiet struggle with a sincerity that resonates deeply. Ron Perlman emerges as a commanding force as Dr. Orion Zephyr, his measured words and piercing glances imbuing the film’s eerie mythos with otherworldly gravitas. Rosanna Arquette, portraying Denise, effortlessly blends warmth with a sharp, knowing wit, transforming every scene into a profound exploration of familial concern amid supernatural chaos. Olivia Grace Applegate shines as Sharon, channeling a fragile mix of longing and resilience that captures the emotional turbulence of estrangement and the desperate hope for reconnection. Derek Smith, as Eddie, masters the art of balancing levity with depth; his playful banter conceals an undercurrent of vulnerability that mirrors the dangerous allure of digital promises. And Emily Kincaid, in the role of Charlisse, brings an intimate authenticity to her fleeting appearances, her nuanced expressions and poignant delivery turning ephemeral moments into indelible impressions. Director R.J. Daniel Hanna’s daring embrace of the screenlife format is nothing short of revolutionary. By seamlessly weaving together video chats, smartphone texts, and eerie nanny-cam footage, he transforms everyday digital interactions into a suspenseful, immersive experience. In one unforgettable sequence, a simple video call morphs a mundane moment into an electrifying crossroads of fate—an original stroke of cinematic genius that heightens the film’s tension and allure. The technical craftsmanship of Succubus is equally mesmerizing. Cinematographer Jimmy Jung Lu paints each frame with spectral hues, while razor-sharp editing and a haunting score elevate every pulse-quickening moment. The sound design, layered with subtle whispers and ambient echoes, creates an atmosphere as immersive as it is unsettling, and the practical effects blend flawlessly with digital innovation to evoke a visceral, almost dreamlike quality. At its heart, Succubus is a meditation on the modern human condition—a poignant exploration of our yearning for connection amid a sea of digital isolation. The film gently interrogates our innate vulnerability and the seductive dangers lurking within our online lives, inviting us to confront both our deepest desires and our most unspoken fears. A delicate nod to ancient lore, the film hints at the enduring myth of the succubus—a creature of timeless allure whose very essence embodies both beauty and peril. This mythological undercurrent, revealed with artful restraint, lingers like an enigmatic whisper throughout the narrative. Enhancing its already luminous reputation, Succubus has earned accolades such as the Audience Award at the Grimmfest Film Festival—a shining testament to its ability to captivate and inspire audiences across the board. As I watched this cinematic marvel, I found myself transported into a realm where the digital and the demonic entwine in an exquisite, unsettling waltz—a personal reminder that even in our most solitary moments, we reach out for connection. So, I ask you: Are you ready to step into this luminous labyrinth, where every swipe and every whisper unveils a new facet of desire and danger? Succubus isn’t just a film—it’s an experience that challenges your perceptions and ignites your imagination. Embrace it, and let it haunt you in the most beautifully profound way.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/14/25
Full Review
Oliver W
The reflection stares back, but it's not your reflection. It's a flicker, a distortion, a subtle shift in the eyes that sends a shiver of ice down your spine – this is the unsettling, brilliantly executed terror of Succubus. R.J. Daniel Hanna doesn't just deliver a horror film; he crafts a visceral, unforgettable exploration of loneliness, desire, and the terrifying price of connection in our digital age. We are introduced to Chris, a new father, through the cold, unflinching lens of his laptop camera. Brendan Bradley delivers a performance of breathtaking vulnerability, capturing the quiet desperation of a man adrift in his own life. He's seeking solace, a fleeting escape from the wreckage of his marriage, in the seemingly endless scroll of a dating app, and that is where he finds Adra. Rachel Cook's portrayal of Adra is a revelation. She's not just playing a monster; she's embodying the very essence of temptation, a digital siren whose beauty is both alluring and profoundly disturbing. It's in the subtle details – the way her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes, the unsettling stillness that sometimes overtakes her on the screen, the honeyed words that drip with a sinister undertone. The supporting actors are terrific. There's Ron Perlman as the wary Dr. Zepher, Rosanna Arquette, Olivia Grace Applegate, Derek Smith, and Emily Kincaid. Hanna's masterful use of the "screenlife" format is a game-changer. This is not a gimmick; it's a crucial element of the film's unsettling power. Consider the agonizing tension of a FaceTime call, the camera held at arm's length, creating a forced intimacy that feels both desperate and deeply unsettling. Or the chilling use of a baby monitor, that everyday object transformed into a window into a rapidly unraveling nightmare. The audience becomes complicit, voyeurs peering into Chris's world, feeling every flicker of doubt, every surge of desire, every horrifying realization. Succubus is a technical marvel. The cinematography is stark and intimate, and the editing is sharp and precise. The sound design is a masterclass in building unease, utilizing subtle electronic pulses and unsettling silences to amplify the tension. And when the horror erupts, it is visceral, graphic, and grounded in a terrifying reality, thanks to some truly exceptional practical effects. This film taps into the ancient mythology of the succubus, a creature of nightmares that preys on human longing. It's a story that has been told for centuries, but Hanna gives it a chillingly contemporary twist, making us question the very nature of connection in our hyper-connected world. Watching this film, I was reminded of the countless hours I've spent staring at screens, seeking connection, validation, something to fill the void. It’s a vulnerability we all share, and Succubus exploits that vulnerability with a terrifying, masterful precision. As the film has garnered an Audience Award and special recognition for Cook's Best Actress performance at Grimmfest, the haunting brilliance of Succubus is in its ability to tap into our deepest fears and desires. It’s in its reflection of our increasingly digital lives, forcing us to confront the question: Are we truly connecting, or are we inviting something far more dangerous into our homes, into our lives, into our very souls?
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/13/25
Full Review
Audience Member
Starts as kind of a modern tech version of “Rear Window”, but turns into something thought provoking and dark about the consequences of giving into desires and impulses. The acting was better than usual, every one did a great job. The bigger names have smaller roles and not much screen time, but it doesn’t make or break the film. I don’t understand why this has such a lower rating on IMDB. Maybe it’s the subject matter. One of the best movies I’ve seen in a couple years, imho
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/28/25
Full Review
Audience Member
Was this really a low budget horror film? It didn't feel like it.. I loved the whole premise and plot of the film. The CGI wasn't to bad on the succubus, the acting was brilliant and couple of the plot twists, I didn't see em coming. This movie was fun, erotic and amazing besides who could resist Adra she's HOT!!🔥
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/23/25
Full Review
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
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