Spiral

Spiral, a 2019 horror thriller directed by Kurtis David Harder, takes you on an anxiety-filled journey that delicately balances its chilling narrative with thought-provoking socio-political themes. The film stars Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Ari Cohen, and Jennifer Laporte, who defy genre clichés with their riveting performances. Packed with an unexpected ending and a pervasive sense of dread, Spiral successfully presents an impressively multilayered narrative woven into a haunting film.

Set in the mid-90s, the opening scenes introduce us to the idyllic, seemingly peaceful suburban community which sets the stage for the ensuing suspense. Malik (Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman), his partner Aaron (Ari Cohen), and Aaron's teenage daughter Kayla (Jennifer Laporte) relocate here seeking tranquillity and a fresh start. Both Malik and Aaron are eager to blend into their new surroundings, hopeful that their progressive family structure will be accepted. This small town environment, however, is not as welcoming as it appears.

Bowyer-Chapman's character Malik, who is both gay and a person of color, faces an uphill battle navigating his environment as its conservatism begins to show. He is frequently the recipient of underhanded bigotry, and though subtle, it layers the story with an unsettling tension. Spiral uses Malik's experiences to critique society's prejudices effectively. It is through this character that audiences witness first-hand the effects of discrimination and the relentless anxiety that comes with it, amplifying the horror element of the movie.

As the family settles into their new life, Malik becomes increasingly alarmed by the strange occurrences in the town. His fear heightens as he starts to suspect that there is a sinister conspiracy at play, cloaked beneath the town’s peaceful exterior. Bizarre neighbors, unsettling occurrences, and a string of past unsolved mysteries fuel his paranoia, turning the once quaint neighborhood into a hotbed of dread. Even at home, Malik feels an unsettling presence, making his new house seem more like a haunted maze than a safe haven.

On the surface, Aaron and Malik's relationship is solid, but the tension from their new surroundings puts pressure on their bond. Aaron, whose experience in the town is notably different, finds it hard to believe Malik's growing concerns, causing a further rift between them.

With seamless camerawork and atmospheric music, Spiral, while maintaining its suspense, also explores complex themes such as trauma, isolation, homophobia, and racism. It manages to deliver a message on the brutality of societal intolerance, alongside providing the thrill expected in a horror movie. Viewers are held in suspense, constantly guessing whether the terror originates from supernatural elements, the town's residents, or Malik's increasingly fragile state of mind.

Bowyer-Chapman shines in his portrayal of Malik, skillfully capturing the essence of a man grappling with past traumas while facing real-time horrors. His performance is aided significantly by Ari Cohen and Jennifer Laporte, who skillfully play their parts, adding more depth to their intricate family dynamics.

The filmmaker, Kurtis David Harder, masterfully creates a sense of pervasive anxiety and unease, building up to a climactic conclusion, testing the limits of the characters and audience alike. The film’s success also stems from Colin Minihan and John Poliquin's intricate screenplay, which echoes the societal issues of the time period but is still unfortunately relevant in contemporary society.

In conclusion, Spiral is a twisted tale of suspense that intricately ties together threads of horror, paranoia, and social commentary into a compelling narrative. It masterfully manipulates the characters' paranoia to provoke thought on the larger societal issues of the time. However, its victory lies in its balancing act, pulling off an eerie horror piece with a stark message without compromising the expectations of the genre. This film is likely to resonate with viewers who enjoy suspense with depth, using fear and discomfort as tools for social critique.