Directed by: Sergio G. Sánchez
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Written by Livvy O’Brien
75/100
The Marrowbone family can’t catch a break. It seems that they are destined to endure relentless suffering. “Marrowbone” has a unique Gothic essence that guides viewers through a perplexing labyrinth of torment, blurring the boundaries between reality and illusion. As the story unfolds, the audience is seized in a chilling dance of uncertainty, leaving them questioning the very fabric of what is genuine and what exists solely in the haunting recesses of the mind.
It’s 1968, a mother and her four children escape the clutches of their abusive father in England, seeking refuge in a quaint seaside cottage on the outskirts of Maine. What’s meant to be a new beginning, marked by safety and solace takes a grim turn when their mother succumbs to an illness, leaving the siblings devoid of a legal guardian and therefore a harsh potential of separation. They direct their lives around keeping up the facade that their mother is still alive, hiding away in their secluded estate in order to preserve the fragile unity of their bond. For me, the initial allure of “Marrowbone” is the star-studded cast, featuring the talents of George MacKay, Anya Taylor-Joy, Mia Goth and Charlie Heaton. These actors seamlessly embody their characters that are extremely lovable and memorable.
The best way to approach “Marrowbone” is to begin watching it without preconceived expectations. Horror is not typically a genre that I prefer to watch but this film possesses a unique essence that captivated me throughout. With my limited knowledge of horror movies, I found that “Marrowbone” managed to transcend the conventional boundaries of the horror genre which elevated my viewing experience. The gothic elements that “Marrowbone” utilises subverts the traditional aesthetics that are affiliated with much of the offerings found in contemporary horror. This film has countless shots of luminous and sunny property, heavily relying on natural light to capture the surroundings. Most of the film is shot in broad daylight, yet there is an underlying eeriness to the almost picture-perfect house.
“Marrowbone” skilfully crafts an engaging story with multiple loose ends that captured my curiosity while leaving many unresolved problems until the very end. Even yet, I was left with a lingering sense of bewilderment due to the immense psychological plot twists in this delicately woven storyline. I don’t think that the script is at fault for the confusion; rather the supernatural elements, coupled with multiple storylines contributed to my mind racing with possibilities. As the credits began to roll.
The Marrowbone siblings felt like hauntingly real individuals and made me genuinely feel for them. The emotional depth of their performances is inspirational and I am quite surprised that this film has not been talked about more. “Marrowbone” is decidedly a hidden gem.
“Marrowbone” Trailer
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