“The Front Room”, the latest horror film by directors Max Eggers and Sam Eggers, is a slow-burn, psychological thriller with disturbing elements of body distortion and familial dread. With an eerie atmosphere and unsettling visuals, the film plunges the audience into the claustrophobic, uncomfortable relationship between a couple and an estranged family member.
The story centers on a young couple, Norman , played by Andrew Burnap, and Belinda, played by Brandy, who are expecting a baby. They reluctantly take in Norman's estranged stepmother, Solange, played by Kathryn Hunter, whose unsettling presence quickly alters the atmosphere of their home. Hunter delivers a haunting performance as the frail yet menacing Solange, while Burnap and Brandy bring tension and vulnerability to their roles as the uneasy couple.
The film deftly mixes the psychological trauma of unresolved family issues with disturbing physical transformations, creating a blend of horror that feels both personal and deeply unsettling. Solange's increasingly erratic and grotesque behavior escalates the tension between the characters.
Visually, “The Front Room” creates a sense of confinement and decay. The tight, dimly lit spaces within the house evoke discomfort. However, the film's attempt to incorporate gore elements while aiming for shock value often appears more disgusting than adequate. Instead of enhancing the horror, these moments of body horror feel more like gratuitous displays of grotesque imagery, lacking the finesse needed to elevate the terror beyond simple disgust.
The film's strengths lie in its slow-burn tension and exploration of family secrets. However, the film might feel underwhelming for viewers expecting a more traditional horror experience—especially considering A24's reputation. Personally, I found the ending disappointing, as it did not provide the kind of payoff I expected from a horror film. While “The Front Room” presents some unsettling imagery, it does not deliver the whole horror experience that many, including myself, might have anticipated.
Ultimately, “The Front Room” is a chilling, atmospheric film that prioritizes slow-building dread over cheap scares. It is a thought-provoking exploration of the horrors that can fester within families, especially when neglect and resentment are allowed to take root. However, the gore and unsettling imagery come across as just revolting, detracting from the story's emotional weight. Fans of psychological horror might find aspects to appreciate, though its deliberately paced narrative and focus on discomfort over fear will not be for everyone.
Rating: 6/10