The Boogeyman Movie Review : With enough jump scare, this horror thriller gives a twist to Stephen King’s short story

Story: Sadie Harper and her younger sister, Sawyer, find themselves caught in a vortex of grief, struggling to heal from the loss of their mother. Unfortunately, their father, who is a therapist, offers little solace or support during this challenging time. Their lives take a terrifying turn when an unexpected visitor arrives unannounced at their doorstep.

Review: Right from the start, it's evident that The Boogeyman effectively achieves its goal of terrifying the audience. This horror thriller delivers a powerful punch with its array of jump-scare moments. Debutante director Rob Savage deserves praise for creating a slow-burn narrative that seamlessly aligns with the film's overarching plot. This film thrives on suspense, and the exceptional performances of its characters and the masterfully created eerie atmosphere help in delivering truly hair-raising moments. The film's well-crafted screenplay, sound design, and the director's ingenious approach to maintaining tension even after the suspense is unveiled all contribute to its success. Adapted from Stephen King's The Boogeyman, written nearly 50 years ago, screenplay writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (also the writers of A Quiet Place) skillfully breathe new life into the short story, expanding upon King's original narrative and presenting it as a fresh creation.

The film centers around a family consisting of two daughters and their father. Sadie (Sophie Thatcher), a high school student, and her younger sister Sawyer (Vivien Lyra Blair) are still grappling with the loss of their mother. Their grief weighs heavily upon them, as they receive little support from Will (Chris Messina), their therapist father who is preoccupied with his own inner demons. The already burdened family's plight takes a sinister turn when Lester Billings (David Dastmalchian), a patient, turns up at the house seeking help, only to tragically end his own life. This event casts an even darker shadow over the household, exacerbating the struggles of the mourning family. As the patient, Lester Billings, reveals the horrifying tale of his own three deceased children and the malevolent entity that claimed them, an unsettling atmosphere gradually engulfs their lives.

The Boogeyman stands out in the realm of horror and distinguishes itself from recent releases such as Evil Dead Rise and Smile, boasting a unique and distinct identity. Director Rob Savage, in his debut film, showcases a level of maturity that is impressive. Skillfully deviating from conventional horror tropes, Savage introduces his own signature elements, adding a fresh perspective to the genre and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, delivering an authentic and spine-chilling horror thriller. Cinematographer Eli Born excels in setting the mood, creating an atmospheric backdrop that resonates with the story's essence.

Sophie Thatcher and Vivien Lyra Blair shine brightly in their respective roles, delivering compelling and emotionally charged performances in the film. Thatcher, who gained recognition following her appearance in the series Yellowjackets, portrays the eldest daughter of the family with remarkable maturity and nuance, serving as a cornerstone of the film. Blair fearlessly embraces the horrors of the narrative, embodying the role of a regular child while effectively complementing the other characters. In a brief yet impactful appearance, David Dastmalchian seizes the opportunity to create a chilling presence within the house, leaving a lasting impression. This film delves into themes of trauma and loneliness, capturing them with great effectiveness, thereby evoking a sense of horror along its path.