The Crooked Man

The Crooked Man, released in 2016, is a thrilling horror film that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the get-go. Directed by Jesse Holland, it features an ensemble cast that includes Michael Jai White, Angelique Rivera, Cameron Jebo among others.

The film ingeniously combines elements of urban legend and supernatural horror, leading to a narrative blend that's both unique and frightening. The movie derives its name from an English nursery rhyme, the invocation of which sets off a series of unusual and ominous occurrences.

The Crooked Man revolves around the character of Olivia (played by Angelique Rivera), a young woman who, along with her friends, innocently recites an eerie incantation during a sleepover to summon the mysterious figure of the 'Crooked Man' from an obscure old song. Six years later, Olivia, now a mature woman, has to face her deepest fears as the terrifying entity they inadvertently summoned is back to haunt them and claim lives in their circle.

Her friends start dying in strange circumstances, with their necks twisting at an unnatural angle, mirroring the 'crooked' modus operandi. There's an underlying dread to these incidents, as it becomes clear that there's a supernatural hand at play, tying back to their juvenile, whimsical recital of the rhyme at the sleepover.

Haunted by the past and terrorized by the present, Olivia embarks on a chilling journey to end the reign of this sinister entity. It is here that she enlists the help of her father (played by Michael Jai White), and along with Cameron Jebo's character, they dive deep into the menace that's stalking them.

On top of her personal troubles, Olivia also has to fight suspicion as law enforcement, unable to comprehend the mysterious deaths, tends to link them back to her. Her quest is not merely to stop the scores of supernatural murders but to clear her name and protect those she still cares for from the grasp of the haunting figure.

Performances are strong across the board, especially Angelique Rivera, who gives a tremendous performance as the film's embattled protagonist. Michael Jai White and Cameron Jebo provide robust support with their roles adding an extra layer of strength to the narrative. The scripting is strong, and Holland's direction crafts a morbid atmosphere that keeps viewers guessing and nerves jittered.

The Crooked Man is a heart-pounding thriller that pulls no punches with its supernatural horror elements. The movie masterfully utilizes the urban legend of The Crooked Man nursery rhyme to create a bone-chilling narrative that will keep the audience hooked till the very end.

Evocative of classics in the horror genre, The Crooked Man takes its unique premise and amplifies it with an impending sense of dread and trepidation throughout. It utilizes its supernatural element to not just create jumpscares, but to also set a tone of horror and suspense that's seldom let up.

The cinematography is engaging, capturing the nightmarish journey of the protagonist in chilling detail. Coupled with an expertly crafted thriller plot and atmospheric soundtrack, it effectively portrays Olivia's desperation and fear as she battles both real and supernatural enemies.

In summary, The Crooked Man is a testament to how reliance on practical effects, coupled with a strong narrative arc, can result in a supernatural horror ride that doesn't rely solely on gore or VFX to deliver chills. Its real strength lies in the emotionally driven performances of its lead actors and the way it connects audiences to the all-too-real fear of the characters. Surely, a must-watch for those who fancy a horror movie that engages intellectually and emotionally, as much as it ensnares the senses.