My quick rating - 3.6/10. This one started by catching my attention with a story about Sergeant Rick Pedroni, fresh from the battlefield of Afghanistan, returning home not just as a veteran but as a vessel for a malevolent demon. The early stages of the film build up tension effectively, blending elements of horror with the psychological struggles of a soldier grappling with PTSD. However, as the plot progresses, the movie takes a nosedive into absurdity, losing its grip on the initially promising storyline. Aston McAuley, whose portrayal of Rick Pedroni should have been the anchor of the film, delivers a disappointingly bland performance. Whether possessed or not, his lack of emotional depth makes it hard to invest in his character’s fate. A stronger, more expressive actor could have made Pedroni's transformation and internal battles far more compelling. Instead, we are left with a protagonist who feels wooden and unrelatable, undermining the film’s emotional core. The soundtrack further detracts from the experience. In a genre where music is crucial for building suspense and heightening fear, this flick opts for a score that feels mismatched and often out of place. The musical choices disrupt the atmosphere rather than enhancing it, making it difficult to remain immersed in the unfolding horror. The narrative takes an especially ridiculous turn in its climax. What starts as a localized, personal battle against demonic possession absurdly escalates into a full-scale confrontation involving the entire U.S. military. This bizarre plot development, pitting American soldiers against Arabic worshippers in an over-the-top and culturally insensitive showdown, shatters any semblance of plausibility. It’s a regrettable decision that not only strains credibility but also veers into uncomfortable and potentially offensive territory. The film's only saving grace in its conclusion is the appearance of a local Islamic cleric who conveniently happens to be an experienced exorcist. This deus ex machina resolution feels contrived and far too convenient, wrapping up the story in a way that is neither satisfying nor believable. In summary, it squanders its potential with poor casting, ill-suited music, and a ludicrously exaggerated climax. It could have been a tense and thought-provoking exploration of demonic possession and personal trauma, but instead, it devolves into an unintentional parody of itself. For fans of horror looking for genuine scares and a coherent plot, you may want to look elsewhere.
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