Malignant: James Wan keeps terror refreshed and renewed.

Director: James Wan

Screenplay: Akela Cooper (known by the Luke Cage script)

Story: James Wan, Ingrid Bisu, Akela Cooper

Stars: Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George Young, Jacqueline McKenzie, Michole Briana White

It starts off really well in a way that captures the viewer's attention and with a tense but melodic soundtrack in the opening credits that tickles our curiosity.

Annabelle Wallis gives life to protagonist Madison, who has a troubled pregnancy and a history of miscarriages. She dreams of murders and when she wakes up she realizes they really happened. With that aura of plausible and realistic fear and mild supernatural events happening, (dare I say it's a "Wan brand") for the first ten, thirteen minutes I was already hooked. The film's setting helps a lot to get into the atmosphere of horror. It sounds like the cliché "The big scary house with low lighting" and all that, but here it works because, as usual, James Wan's direction makes it believable.

After a while, (about forty minutes) and some disturbing but very good scenes, with a spectacular development, it was possible to discover at least part of the mystery's ending and maybe the end, but only because I had seen a lot of horror, fantasy and sci-fi stuff in my life, although even if you're an expert in these genres (which I'm not) the fun is complete. Trust me.

The pace is one of the biggest causes of the film's success along with the near-perfect acting and script. Oh, of course, James Wan's precise and extremely competent direction makes all the difference in this dramatic horror film. But why and how did these things come together to give us what some are already calling a new classic?

The script is smart and doesn't patronize the audience or try to make the suspense last longer than necessary. It makes you catch your breath but precisely to give a relevant development that makes sense with the gory scenes. Nothing here is gratuitous. It has a lot of graphic horror, yes, but it also has an agonizing story of paralyzing anguish. A real personal drama.

The twists and turns aren't childish or shallow, and the action doesn't stop. Even in the contemplative parts (if we can call it that) there is something going on that contributes to putting the puzzle together.

After putting this bizarre puzzle together, get ready for lots of fights, kills and camera moves that will make you feel like you're watching a very violent and bloodthirsty game (which could be called John Wick meets the Devil). It's thrilling in a way that I have not felt in a movie in a long time. 

Annabelle Wallis is not the most consistent actress in the world, but in this film she does a performance that if it were a drama, like those the Academy loves to award, would certainly be nominated. We are drawn to Madison's feelings and sadness from the first moments. It's almost impossible not to worry about her and how tragic her life has always been.

Detective Kokoa Shaw, well done by George Young, is a refreshing renewal of the same old kind of cop who doesn't give the main character credit until he sees the supernatural unfold in front of him. He's understanding and sometimes protective of Madison, but he doesn't fit into another old story, the one where the law enforcement officer ends up forming a romantic couple with the protagonist.

                                       

The entire cast is full of charisma and talent, but without James Wan's wise hand, they might not have been so successful, especially where horror and drama are needed combined.

A few questions were still hovering in my head after the movie, but maybe it was intentional, aiming for a sequel. And I don't know how to feel about it. Of course I loved this movie but will it really be a case for another franchise?!

It's almost impossible not to remember the movie The Unborn (2009) with Gary Oldman, and some superhero stuff like Jean Grey. Whether this was meant to be is unknown to me. And it doesn't make any difference after all. In addition to all possible inspirations, the film has a huge and deep personality.

It's fun, grotesque, moving and scary at the same time. I recommend it enthusiastically indeed.

                                                                                                                      Grade: 9.0

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