Smoldering plotline style horror. The setting is period correct from what I recall as a toddler. Where they found an untouched 1979 wood-panel house is a mystery, but it works. Dark by its nature, they can never make one of these houses "bright and cheery"
The film was compared to the Bobadook in the stuff I read before the release, but after having watched both, the plot for this one resonates with me as a parent far more. I put it ahead of Bobadook on the relatability scale. I could actually relate to Mindy.
The generational relationship with her mother also felt 'real' in a way you don't see in film. In only a few scenes, you get a feeling for a rounded character. So real, in fact, I wondered where she was going in the story.
Without spoilers, I could have used more in only 2 places:
1: I wanted to see the more of a certain kill.
2: I would like to have explored the history a bit more. The characters are interesting enough to want to know more backstory.
Chaz Bono gave a really good performance. I was surprised.
Krsy Fox is good, but I've begun to expect that from her.
Barbra Crampton... solid of course.
Jon Sklaroff came off well... really well... as the monster. Something that creepy and base shouldn't be that eloquent. He pulled it off, and now I want to know "What exactly was that?!?"
Overall, good film. It's not the typical slasher. It's not a bloodbath. But by the end, you understand exactly the point the writer/director was making. If you have kids, you're probably going to empathize with him.
