Vivid Society NY

by Critic Lenore Townsend

Photo Credits: A24

Front Room is a psychological horror film from A24. The movie follows a young couple Belinda and Norman who take Norman’s ailing, estranged step mother Solange into their home, only to discover unsettling truths. The movie does touch on religious under tones which serves as the primary vessel, family responsibility and greed.

The visual are striking, staying true to A24’s signature atmospheric style. The directing style of the Eggers brothers emphasize a tense, slow-burn narrative, drawing the audience into the claustrophobic dynamics within the household.  The themes of familial obligation, guilt, and the uncanny are woven together in a way that feels intimate yet chilling. This movie also had moments of comedy with some scenes and honestly I can relate to Norman and his objection about allowing his stepmom live with him-he warned Belinda.

The performances from Brandy and Andrew Burnap (Belinda and Norman) were great. The relationship between Belinda and Norman  made you sympathetic for what they were going through-a rough patch and expecting their rainbow baby. The performance  from Kathryn Hunter (Solange) was amazing and creeping-the perfect mother in law from hell. The movie created some uneasy moments without resorting to traditional jump scares. It’s a solid entry in A24’s horror repertoire, appealing to fans of cerebral horror.  The Front Room is available on HBO, Max and all VOD platforms.

For more info: https://a24films.com/films/the-front-room

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