By Erika Ashley
AMULET, Written and Directed by Romola Garai is about an ex-solider who is currently homeless and runs across a Nun. Who then puts him up in an old and broken down home but, he is not alone there. He is shacked up with an odd woman and her dying mother. As each day passes, things become extremely weird and he can't escape the events of which are about to unfold.
Tomaz played by Alec Secareanu, who is a beautiful man by the way, is an ex-solider who is suffering from severe flashbacks and vivid nightmares. He then meets Sister Claire, played by Imelda Stanton, yes that crazy lady from Harry Potter! She brings him to an old home which is occupied by Magda (Carla Juri) and her dying Mother (Anah Ruddin). He is offered a free stay as long as he can help around the house by fixing up all the damage. And there is a lot! The house is basically decaying. I could smell it just by watching this film. Brava! As each day passes, things become increasingly odd. Tomaz can hear the dying mother through the walls and without even seeing her yet, he knows she is crazy as hell..
He is also there to help Magda, but she makes it known that she doesn't need him. She goes about her day cooking, tending to her mother, and showing off her strange dance moves. Spending his days and nights with Magda, he finds himself falling for her BUT soon things turn to the dark side and Tomaz finds himself battling true demonic terror. It all starts with keeping his belly full, dirty water, bats freaking bats, and one sick mother! Nothing is going to stop this walking nightmare.
AMULET was a beautifully acted movie. Alec (Tomaz) gave one hell of a performance. I felt every emotion he gave us. Even with a simple look. Carla (Magda) was so pure and also strangely dominant and creepy. I found myself completely drawn to these two characters and was truly rooting for them. While both characters are personally flawed, you wanted this sense of peace for both of them. Now, we all know that I am a SFX Make Up Artist, so in a horror film, my eye is always on the lookout for edges and mess ups. What I got in this film was perfection. The make up was hands down my favorite thing about this film. The blood was so right and the texture was gorgeous. Yes, gorgeous!
The Mother was hauntingly grotesque and breathtaking at the same time. She is nightmare fuel all the way. I do wish we could have had even more of the mother. I could have watched her for the whole movie. I also loved how this film was shot. The natural lighting is always a must for me. Especially in a horror film. It only adds to the mood and lures you in . It created depth and contrast. My only downfall, with any movie, is the constant flashbacks. Sometimes, for me, it can take me out of a moment, even when it's supposed to add. Maybe it's just me but I start to get confused. Anyone else like that? Just me? Ok, moving on...
AMULET is the true definition of a slow burn film. If you don't like slow burns and having to actually watch until the end for answers, this is not the film for you. It's a sick and twisted game of the minds. One must follow the roller coaster of flashbacks, demons, and dare I say love? It'll keep your mind guessing and questioning every turn. I can tell you one thing, I'm not hungry anymore.
Magnet Releasing will release AMULET in theaters and on demand July 24th, 2020