My quick rating - 3.9/10. I am sure Sam Bangs really enjoyed the make-up work she had to go through for this one. Now that is some horrible CGI and then puppet effects. This one ventures into the supernatural realm, weaving a tale of horror and possession that attempts to grip you from the very beginning. The movie centers around a pregnant woman, played convincingly by Herma (Bangs), who finds herself entangled in a battle against a malevolent force while house-sitting. As she fights to save not only her unborn child but also her own soul, the film delves deep into the darkest corners of the human psyche. One of the standout aspects of the film is the dedicated performance by Sam Bangs. Herma's portrayal of a woman in the throes of possession is both chilling and empathetic. The sheer physicality she brings to the role is commendable, especially considering the extensive make-up work she had to endure. It makes it all the more impressive since the rest of the script was quite a letdown. Despite the film's shortcomings, Bangs managed to keep me invested in her character's plight. However, where this flick falters significantly is in its special effects department. The heavy reliance on CGI and puppetry diminishes the overall impact of the horror elements. The poorly executed CGI sequences and artificial puppet effects jolt you out of the immersive experience, breaking the suspension of disbelief that I find crucial in a horror film that is going to use the technique. In an era where we are accustomed to high-quality visual effects, the subpar CGI in this movie is a glaring flaw. The story itself could have been more captivating due to the strange behavior of the neighbors and the path it was going yet faltered in delivery. Despite these shortcomings, the film does have moments of genuine tension and a bit of dark humor. Erik Skybak skillfully crafts a few scenes that are genuinely unsettling, managing to evoke fear and anxiety. The atmosphere in these moments is appropriately eerie, enhancing the overall sense of dread. I just wish there were more of them to go along with the bizarre physical transformation that Herma was going through. I found this flick to be a mixed bag of horror elements. I was impressed with Bangs strong performance for a movie at this budget level while the film's reliance on poorly executed CGI and puppet effects towards the end took all the momentum away. If you can overlook the subpar visual effects and focus on the central performance, there are moments of entertainment and genuine horror to be found. However, if you want a seamless blend of compelling storytelling and top-notch effects, this movie isn't going to deliver the best 94 minutes of scares.
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