In 2015, director M. Night Shyamalan released The Visit, marking his return to the horror-thriller genre with a film that surprised audiences and reignited interest in his work. Known for his unique twist endings and knack for building suspense, Shyamalan crafted a film that blends horror with a hint of dark humour. The Visit follows two siblings on a trip to meet their estranged grandparents, only to find themselves in increasingly unsettling situations.
While it’s far from a traditional horror movie, the film succeeds in keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its eerie atmosphere and unexpected turns. In this review, we’ll explore what makes The Visit a memorable horror experience, analyzing its plot, characters, and themes.
Plot Summary
The Visit centres around teenage siblings Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and Tyler (Ed Oxenbould), who are sent to visit their grandparents for the first time after a lengthy family estrangement. Documenting the trip with a handheld camera for a film project, Becca captures everything about their journey and their interactions with their seemingly sweet yet strange grandparents, Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie). However, it doesn’t take long for the children to notice odd behaviours in their grandparents, especially at night. Nana exhibits strange, erratic movements and sometimes wanders the halls aimlessly, while Pop Pop becomes increasingly paranoid and unhinged.
The suspense intensifies as the children start uncovering disturbing secrets and inexplicable events. Shyamalan leads viewers on a path that oscillates between humour and horror, keeping audiences guessing about the nature of Nana and Pop Pop’s behaviour. In typical Shyamalan fashion, the climax delivers an unexpected twist, bringing everything into sharp, chilling focus.
Characters and Performances
The success of The Visit relies heavily on its central performances. Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould play the siblings with an authenticity that makes their bond and reactions feel real. Becca, the thoughtful and slightly protective sister, balances Tyler’s quirky and occasionally comedic personality. Their sibling dynamic provides a sense of warmth, making the darker moments of the film even more jarring.
The real show-stealers, however, are Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie as the grandparents. Dunagan’s portrayal of Nana is both unsettling and sympathetic, oscillating between warm grandmotherly care and inexplicable, frightening actions. McRobbie’s Pop Pop is equally effective, as he brings a grounded realism to his character’s increasingly erratic behaviour. Their performances blur the line between loveable grandparents and menacing figures, which amplifies the film’s tension.
A Unique Approach to Horror
The Visit stands out for its use of the “found footage” style, in which scenes are presented as if recorded by the characters themselves. Shyamalan effectively utilizes this technique to draw viewers into the experience, enhancing the feeling of intimacy and immediacy. By seeing events through the children’s handheld camera, audiences share in the siblings’ discoveries and growing dread, heightening the film’s sense of realism.
The film also distinguishes itself through its darkly comedic elements. Unlike traditional horror movies that rely solely on terror, The Visit intersperses humour to provide relief and to make the disturbing scenes even more jarring. Tyler’s humorous commentary and quirky personality serve as a counterbalance to the tension, and his rapping scenes add a strange charm to the movie. This blend of humour and horror is refreshing, as it keeps the viewer engaged and creates a layered narrative.
Themes Explored
At its core, The Visit explores themes of family relationships, forgiveness, and the complexity of familial bonds. Through the children’s journey, Shyamalan delves into issues of abandonment and estrangement, as the siblings grapple with the complexities of their mother’s relationship with her parents. The film suggests that familial ties can be both comforting and terrifying, serving as a powerful metaphor for the unpredictable nature of family dynamics.
Additionally, the film touches on ageing and mental illness, using the grandparents’ peculiar behaviours as a narrative device to explore fears surrounding ageing and loss of control. Shyamalan delicately balances these themes without overshadowing the horror elements, allowing viewers to ponder these issues while remaining captivated by the suspenseful plot.
Conclusion
The Visit may not be a typical horror film, but its innovative blend of suspense, dark humour, and emotional themes makes it stand out in Shyamalan’s filmography. With strong performances, a unique narrative structure, and a memorable twist, the film offers a fresh perspective on horror. It’s a story that plays with viewers’ expectations, making the familiar terrifying and the unknown even more unsettling. For those seeking a horror movie with depth and originality, The Visit is well worth watching.
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