Malevolent

Malevolent is a 2018 British horror film, directed by Olaf de Fleur Johannesson and starring Florence Pugh, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, and Scott Chambers. This film, set in 1986 Scotland, is based on the novel "Hush" by Eva Konstantopoulos who also co-wrote the screenplay together with Ben Katai.

The plot follows a brother and sister duo, Angela (Florence Pugh) and Jackson (Ben Lloyd-Hughes), who exploit and deceive those bereaved individuals who are desperate for contact with the afterlife. Running a fraudulent ghost hunting scam, they promise relief and closure to their naive clients by staging paranormal encounters using their knowledge of psychology and theatrics. Their uncanny fraudulent business thrives as they capitalise on the sorrow of others.

However, things take a terrifying turn when they are hired by an elderly woman living in a secluded, decrepit manor house who reports disturbing instances of paranormal activity. She believes the spirits of murdered girls haunt her home, hoping for someone to delve into their grim stories and find the truth behind their untimely ends.

The siblings soon realize their swindle job is much more perilous than they had initially assumed. The seemingly routine investigation of ghostly occurrences evolves into an ordeal of true paranormal activity and life-threatening danger. Unbeknownst to Angela and Jackson, they are plunged into an enigma that amasses fear and dread at every corner of the house.

Florence Pugh, renowned for her performances in period dramas, gives a compelling performance as Angela, the central character in the film. Angela is not only grappling with the guilt and ethical implications of feigning contact with the deceased but also possesses an unnerving genuine psychic ability that she's unable to fully comprehend or control. Pugh's portrayal of this tortured psychic further adds layers of suspense and profundity to the narrative.

Ben Lloyd-Hughes embodies Jackson, the enterprising yet morally questionable brother, who is motivated more by the lucrative prospects rather than the psychological toll it exacts on his sister. Lloyd-Hughs offers an intriguing perspective on a character who walks a delicate line between being protective and exploitative.

In the role of Herman, the quiet and reclusive camera man, Scott Chambers shines through, adding depth to the ensemble cast. His relationship with Angela and his role within their duplicitous team lend another intriguing facet to the already complex plot.

Set against a chilling and thoroughly atmospheric backdrop, "Malevolent" explores the fusion of psychological drama with horror elements, blending themes of grief, deception and ulterior motives with a backdrop of supernatural interventions – all while conjuring an atmosphere of dread and unease.

The film is complemented by its compelling cinematography, utilising the somber gloominess of Scotland's landscapes and the inherent eeriness of the aged mansion that serves as the primary setting. These visual elements further elevate the chilling essence of the film.

Also noteworthy is the movie's sound design, where the filmmakers expertly manipulate the haunting sounds and unsettling silence to maximize suspense and anxiety. This plays a pivotal role in effectively capturing the viewers’ attention and keeping them gripped till the end.

Despite some familiarity of its concept within horror genre, Malevolent manages to inject fresh perspectives into the narrative. It effectively weaves in elements of familial drama with bone-chilling horror and thrilling suspense, culminating in a unique and riveting viewing experience. It’s an exploration of the lengths people will go to exploit others' misery, the extent of self-deception, and the harsh realities of confronting actual horrors when your life revolves around simulating them.

Overall, Malevolent is not just an ordinary ghost story. It illustrates a fascinating moral dilemma, provides character depth, and successfully pervades an atmosphere of threat and trepidation throughout. The committed performances by the main cast members, the immersive visual and sound components, and the exploration of complex themes make it a horror gem that provides more than just scares. So, if you're looking for a film that goes beyond the typical haunting narrative, Malevolent may just be your next watch.