Antlers

Antlers is an American supernatural horror film directed by Scott Cooper, which landed on screens in 2021. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Keri Russell, Jesse Plemons, and Jeremy T. Thomas. The screenplay, penned by Henry Chaisson, Nick Antosca, and Cooper, is based on the short story "The Quiet Boy" by Antosca himself, thus giving you an idea that you're in for a distinct narrative experience from an adaptive source. This film exhibits the total shaping of a haunting narrative, bringing together elements of spine-chilling horror, family drama, and a touch of suspense, amplified through a powerfully evocative atmosphere and influential performances.

Set in the shadowy landscapes of a small, declining Oregonian town, the story unfolds through eerie silences, shadowy figures, and an unsettling sense of dread. The film introduces Keri Russell as Julia Meadows, a middle school teacher who recently returned to her hometown, partly to escape from her dark past and partly to help her troubled brother, Paul, who is the town's local sheriff portrayed by Jesse Plemons.

The narrative takes a significant turn when Julia becomes especially concerned about one of her students, Lucas, an enigmatic boy played by child actor Jeremy T. Thomas. Brilliant yet brooding, Lucas lives in a dilapidated house with his younger brother, Aiden, and the deeply troubled father. Within the confines of this abandoned house, a horrid entity seems to reside - an entity that's too arcane, too terrifying to be of this rational world. The boy, with innocent bravery, cares for his ailing family and feeds the entity that looms over their lives.

The narrative maturity of Antlers holds up exceptionally well as it explores the human horrors emanating from domestic violence, substance abuse, and poverty, threading them efficiently within the supernatural elements. As the threat in Lucas's home escalates, Julia, troubled by a past of her own, seeks to unravel the mystery of the boy's turbulent life. Assisting her is her brother Paul, who grapples with his role as the town's law enforcement and the pressing need to support his sister. Together, they endeavor to uncover the terrifying truth that binds the mysterious creature to Lucas' endangered family and threatening the town's safety.

Keri Russell conveys a palpable sense of trauma and fear, imploring us to invest in her safe journey through the narrative. Jesse Plemons is remarkable as a beleaguered hometown hero, striving to combat lurking evils. But it's young Jeremy T. Thomas who steals the show with his nuanced portrayal of an ordinary boy caught in an extraordinary terror. The collective performances represent the damages neglect, and abuse can wreak, shaping up the dread factor while keeping the trauma at the viewer's periphery.

Antlers is essentially a creature feature but one that does not rely solely on its monstrous entity. Instead, the beast serves more like an allegorical tool, signaling towards the horrors of reality. The slow-burn horror allows the tension time and space to creep up on audiences, all the while maintaining an eerie sense of dread that reverberates throughout the movie. Cooper’s direction contrasts the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with the supernatural grotesque and human decay, creating a side-by-side narrative of beauty and the beast within.

Scott Cooper, who is better known for his gritty dramas like "Crazy Heart" and "Black Mass," strikes a terrifying chord with this foray into horror. The choice to use practical effects enhances the terror, resulting in something profound and horrific that is a far cry from the standard jump-scare fare. The narrative deepens through the perspective of both the adults and the children, toggling views on fear, survival, and innocence.

Composer Javier Navarrete furnishes the entire film with a chillingly atmospheric score, which further intensifies the eerie premise. The cinematography style intensifies the sense of despair, dread, and isolation experienced by the characters, echoing through the dimly lit and claustrophobic set pieces.

Antlers is not just a typical horror film; it's a horrifying reflection of real-life horrors augmented by a supernatural entity. It promises to deliver thrills and chills, probing into the darkness of human lives saturated with grief, fear, and terrifying secrets. The film stands as a thought-provoking piece—enthralling for audiences who appreciate the genre and all its potential for exploring the darker corners of the human condition. This is indeed horror with an impact—one that stays with you, dwelling in your mind long after the end credits roll.