Malignant is the latest creation to come from visionary horror director James Wan who has been able to take audiences on compelling storytelling, scary journeys. The film follows Madison Mitchell (Annabelle Wallis) who has visions of people getting brutally murdered by a shadowy, dark figure and realizes the murders are not just dreams, but part of reality.
Malignant is certainly a misstep for Wan as I can clearly understand why some critics and audiences are loving this campy, horror film.
As an avid fan of horror, I don’t think it exactly sticks to the landing or scares.
The delivery isn’t as shocking as it sets it out to be as the film could have had a tighter script. The screenplay comes from Akela Cooper and J.T. Petty as the film is based on a story Wan wrote alongside his wife and actress Ingrid Bisu. Wan does an excellent job visually creating a world as there is room morphing into a different room effect that feels very creative. The monster that is the shadowy, dark figure is named Gabriel. He is terrifying to imagine and when Gabriel is in its full form, it’s definitely freaky for sure. There is plenty of gore, but for a film for Wan to direct it feels weak as the film isn’t as scary. There are no chills as the film does not have much substance and is completely dull and full of nonsense.
None of the performances truly stood out as they come off as a parody and the character development isn’t nearly as strong. Wallis who stars as the protagonist tries her best to give a good performance as the film never gives the character of Madison any personality. The supporting characters and performances come off as characters anyone would see in a trashy 90s sitcom.
All of the characters feel so bland as the film tries so hard to build an absurd and realistic world that makes it hard to care about anything.
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The film paces itself as it builds up to the big third act as it starts to become absolutely ridiculous and feels silly. When the film wants to be funny, it isn’t funny. The film tries to be shocking but isn’t so shocking either as any logic is thrown out the window. It becomes bonkers when the film reaches its climax and when it reaches the final moments feeling ultimately incomplete when everything is said and done.
Malignant film does not know whether or not it wants to take itself seriously or feels like a nightmare soap opera.
As the film is pieced together it doesn’t always feel like a James Wan film.
It’s campy as it feels too silly for me to take seriously. There is an audience for this film, but it is going to be extremely entertaining for some. It’s ridiculous that it comes from a superb horror director. Wan has teamed up with Warner Brothers for previous horror films and directed the successful Aquaman film. It feels Wan was given money and was told to create whatever you want. For myself, I’ll watch anything Wan directs and this feels misguided. I tried to find some redeeming aspect, but couldn’t. Skip this film if you are a serious horror movie buff. I give Malignant filmfilm 4 out of 10.
