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What did I just watch? I enjoyed it, but it was utter nonsense. There are a few specific problems I kinda want to dig into, but what's the point? It's a very well made, watchable pile of nonsense. Visually, it's fantastic. I could 100% see watching this movie for visual inspo.
The film was produced, but not written by, Cargill and Derrickson. I really like them, but didn't realize it wasn't their script. Derrickson directed it and I know Cargill was on site for filming, so I assumed he was at least involved in the writing.
The plot was obviously inspired by the sorts of games I don't play, but sometimes watch video essays about. I have to wonder if the people making the film were unaware of a certain video game meme that happens at what should be a point of high drama. Nothing kills any sense of tension like attack of the over-used Unity Store assets.
I did enjoy it, but it is hot garbage start to finish. It cost over 4x what a Scott Derrickson movie usually costs. It actually helps that the acting is mid and that the main character seems a bit like he'd not really there somehow... because it makes it more like video game cut scenes. Blank stares into the middle distance work better than serious portrayals of emotion. Why did this script get made, and why did it get this budget? It's basically a very, very well polished piece of garbage.
I have a feeling that Derrickson and Cargill were very aware of the movie they were making. They had no illusions that this was going to be cinema. The studio wanted a certain type of garbage and they delivered. I am seeing articles claiming that Derrickson needed to do this film to get the greenlight for Black Phone 2. I am not sure that needs a sequel, but hopefully this helps Derrickson get the clout he needs to pick projects.
The film was produced, but not written by, Cargill and Derrickson. I really like them, but didn't realize it wasn't their script. Derrickson directed it and I know Cargill was on site for filming, so I assumed he was at least involved in the writing.
The plot was obviously inspired by the sorts of games I don't play, but sometimes watch video essays about. I have to wonder if the people making the film were unaware of a certain video game meme that happens at what should be a point of high drama. Nothing kills any sense of tension like attack of the over-used Unity Store assets.
I did enjoy it, but it is hot garbage start to finish. It cost over 4x what a Scott Derrickson movie usually costs. It actually helps that the acting is mid and that the main character seems a bit like he'd not really there somehow... because it makes it more like video game cut scenes. Blank stares into the middle distance work better than serious portrayals of emotion. Why did this script get made, and why did it get this budget? It's basically a very, very well polished piece of garbage.
I have a feeling that Derrickson and Cargill were very aware of the movie they were making. They had no illusions that this was going to be cinema. The studio wanted a certain type of garbage and they delivered. I am seeing articles claiming that Derrickson needed to do this film to get the greenlight for Black Phone 2. I am not sure that needs a sequel, but hopefully this helps Derrickson get the clout he needs to pick projects.
