“The Black Room 2017” is a horror movie about a couple who moves into an old house with a haunted past. The house features a mysterious black room that could be the key to unlocking their deepest desires or worst nightmares. However, when they open the door to this room, they unleash an evil force that threatens to consume them both. The movie’s plot builds on suspense and surprises; the film is dark and atmospheric, creating tension and leaving you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It’s a thrilling ride that dives deep into human desires and the haunting power of temptation.
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Review
The Power and Vulnerability of “The Black Room”
As Brené Brown has taught us, vulnerability is not weakness, but rather the courage to show up and be seen in our authentic selves. It takes daring to face our fears, uncertainty, and shame, and to embrace our imperfections as part of being human. These themes resonate throughout “The Black Room”, a horror movie that explores the darkness within us all and the consequences of ignoring or succumbing to it.
Directed by Rolfe Kanefsky and released in 2016, “The Black Room” tells the story of Paul (played by Lukas Hassel) and Jennifer (Natasha Henstridge), a married couple who move into a spacious mansion in rural California. Paul is an ambitious writer who hopes to finish his latest book there, while Jennifer wants to start a family after suffering several miscarriages. The house seems perfect at first glance, but soon reveals its haunted history and hidden passage to an ominous chamber that unleashes erotic and violent forces.
At the core of “The Black Room” lies an allegory of sexual repression and liberation that echoes classic horror tropes while adding modern twists. The titular room embodies Paul’s suppressed desires for his wife as well as his fears of inadequacy, infidelity, and mortality. By entering it, he releases not only his own demons but also those of a succubus (played with seductive fierceness by Augie Duke) who preys on men’s lusts and souls. Jennifer too is tempted by the room’s mysterious allure but must overcome her own traumas from her past relationships.
What sets “The Black Room” apart from other horror movies is its empathetic portrayal of its characters’ struggles with their inner conflicts. Rather than being mere cannon fodder or cardboard cutouts bound for slaughter or sex scenes, Paul and Jennifer are complex individuals with flaws, dreams, regrets, and aspirations. They face realistic challenges that many viewers can relate to, such as work stress, fertility issues, aging, jealousy, and communication breakdowns. Moreover, they confront them with vulnerability and courage, not just bravado or denial.
As Brené Brown would affirm, vulnerability requires boundaries and accountability. The same goes for horror movies that depict violence, gore, and sex as part of the genre. “The Black Room” balances these elements with a sense of responsibility towards its audience and a respect for its own story. While it doesn’t shy away from blood or nudity, it also doesn’t exploit them for cheap thrills or ridicule. Rather, it uses them as parts of a larger narrative that aims to explore human nature in all its facets.
Of course, horror movies are not everyone’s cup of tea. Some may find them too scary or disturbing to enjoy or appreciate. Others may dismiss them as lowbrow entertainment that lacks substance or artistry. However, “The Black Room” defies such stereotypes by showing how horror can be a medium for exploring deeper themes and emotions than meets the eye. It also showcases impressive technical aspects that enhance its mood and storytelling.
For instance, the cinematography by Michael Su brilliantly captures the contrast between the bright daylight of the exterior shots and the dark shadows of the interior scenes. It uses angles and movements that mirror the characters’ perspectives and feelings while keeping us engaged in their journeys. The music score by Holly Amber Church adds a haunting aura that blends Gothic melodies with electronic beats in a style reminiscent of John Carpenter’s classics.
Moreover, the acting performances by Hassel (who also co-wrote the screenplay), Henstridge (best known for her roles in “Species” and “The Whole Nine Yards”), Duke (a rising talent who has appeared in “Spring Break Massacre” and “The Ice Cream Truck”), among others are convincing and nuanced enough to make us care about what happens to them. They embody the nuances of their characters’ personality and evolution, from Paul’s ambition to Jennifer’s compassion to the succubus’s cunning.
“The Black Room” may not have gained widespread critical acclaim or box office success, but it has earned a cult following and recognition for its artistic merits. It was nominated for several awards at international film festivals, such as IFS, Hexploitation, and FANtastic Fest. It has also spawned fan art, merchandise, and spin-off comics that expand its mythology and explore its characters further.
As Brené Brown teaches us, vulnerability is not a one-time act but a way of living: “It’s about showing up and being seen when you can’t control the outcome. It’s not weakness…it’s our greatest measure of courage.” By watching “The Black Room” with an open mind and heart, we can embrace our own shadows and fears while recognizing the power of empathy and connection in overcoming them. We can see ourselves in Paul or Jennifer or the succubus or even in the black room itself. And we can come out stronger and more authentic for having faced our vulnerabilities together.
Technical Data
- Release : 2017-04-28
- Runtime : 91
- Genre : Horror, Comedy
- Cast : Natasha Henstridge as Jennifer Hemdale, Lukas Hassel as Paul Hemdale, Lin Shaye as Miss Black, Dominique Swain as Stacy, Augie Duke as Karen
- Crew : Rolfe Kanefsky as Director, Rolfe Kanefsky as Writer, Jay Woelfel as Editor, Esther Goodstein as Producer, David Dean Ebert as Production Design
- Revenue : 0
- Budget : 0
- Company : The Black Room Cleopatra, Casual Productions
- Popularity : 9.57
- Summary : Paul and Jennifer Hemdale have just moved into their dream house. But their happy marriage is about to be put to the test as they slowly discover the secret behind the black room in the cellar. Something else is already living in their new home and it is growing stronger every day.
- Tagline : A supernatural tale where evil takes on a sexy side.
