The Djinn

The 2021 horror-thriller movie, The Djinn, is a gripping and terrifying masterpiece directed by David Charbonier and Justin Powell that piles on the suspense at every turn. It masterfully combines supernatural elements with a child's fear and fateful bravery resulting in a unique take on the Djinn mythology. The cast includes Ezra Dewey as the young protagonist, and solid performances from Rob Brownstein, and Tevy Poe.

Set in the 1980s, the story introduces us to a 12-year-old mute boy named Dylan Jacobs, depicted brilliantly by Ezra Dewey, whose vulnerability and determination are at the core of the narrative. The setting makes the film even more chilling as it lacks of modern-day technology, which adds to the film's atmospheric tension.

Following the tragic loss of his mother, Dylan lives with his father (played by Rob Brownstein), a late-night radio presenter. Life is already challenging enough with Dylan's communication difficulties as a mute boy further accentuated by their grief. However, things take an unexpectedly terrifying turn when they move into a new apartment where Dylan discovers a mysterious old book containing an ancient hint at potentially connecting with the spiritual world.

While his father works during the night, curiosity gets the better of Dylan, and he does not heed the warning of the ancient lore: Be careful what you wish for. He finds himself trapped alone across a long, dreadful night, battling against a malicious supernatural entity, a Djinn, which he unintentionally awakens. Tevy Poe gives a notable performance as the ominous voice on a cassette tape guiding Dylan through the fearful rituals that birth the frightening being.

The Djinn is a suspense-ridden film that leaves viewers on the edge, drip-feeding revelations and maintaining an eerie atmosphere throughout. It excels in the creepiness factor, cleverly employing darkness, silences, obscure camera angles, and the claustrophobia of a small apartment. This stimulates a psychological thrill that slowly grinds down the nerves as the silent protagonist navigates the small space and increasing danger.

What sets The Djinn apart from other horror features is its refreshing take on storytelling; it uses a virtually dialogue-free script. The film relies heavily on non-verbal cues, atmospheric sound design, and an evocative score to tell a chilling tale of inexplicable terror. This silence and the effective use of sign language not only speak volumes about Dylan's isolation as a mute but carry the narrative's tension to chilling heights, encouraging viewers' imaginative fears in the many shadow-filled corners of their mind.

Ezra Dewey's performance as Dylan is exceptional as he carries practically the entire movie on his young shoulders. Silent but expressive, his terror, and the courage he exhibits in the face of fear, feel genuinely lived and make us root for his survival. Meanwhile, Rob Brownstein and Tevy Poe lend supportive roles, enhancing the overall narrative's ghastliness and sense of the surreal.

The Djinn is an hour-and-a-half heart-pounding rollercoaster ride that cleverly keeps its supernatural elements uncertain enough to allow viewers' imagination to take over. Its cinematic textures, composed of dim lights and deep shades of color, blended with moments of unexpected silence contribute to an environment of eerie suspense while setting up the surprises that lay in wait.

While embracing the blueprint of many horror films with classic jump scares and an ominous soundtrack, The Djinn is a fresh and unique addition to the genre that doesn't rely on gore or gratuitous violence. Instead, it extracts all its scares from psychological terror and the frailty of its protagonist, played convincingly by Dewey, against an uncanny paranormal entity.

A glimpse into a heart-stopping struggle for survival against supernatural threats, The Djinn intricately unfolds its narrative by crafting commendable suspense, drawing the audience into Dylan's silent world. The Djinn is a skillfully executed indie horror that is both haunting and thrilling, promising to deliver a riveting and intense cinematic experience for any avid horror movie fan.