9/21/2024
Synopsis: A child abductor ravages a small town in the 70s.
The Good: There is so much creepy and upsetting about this film. It’s a work of art in its own way’. I’ve long said Joe HIll is a better horror writer than his dad (Stephen King) and this is another example. It may be that he’s just more in tune with modern sensibilities but every one of Hill’s stories has bothered me long after it was over. This is a dark and twisted work with a very present sense of intimidation and fear running throughout it. It has that paranormal edge King is known for but it’s done in a sastifiying way with the same ‘tying it all up’ ethos. Really enjoyed Hawke’s performance as a lunatic with a bad attitude.
The Bad: There’s a little piece that was just convenient AF for me and I hate when they do that. You don’t have to do that and some of the stuff in the room it becomes hard to believe it wouldn’t be noticed, but whatever, it’s fine.
Best Line: It’s for you.’
Fun Fact: The paperboy is a reference to Johnny Gosch, a paperboy from Iowa who was on a route with his dog Gretchen and disappeared. His dog was found later, but Johnny’s disappearance remains unsolved to this day.
Verdict:
Technical: 8
Entertainment Value: 7.9
Genre Rating: 7.7
IMDb Score: 6.9
Total: 7.9
Leave a Reply