The Prodigy

The Prodigy, a horror-thriller movie captivatingly directed by Nicholas McCarthy and gorgeously written by Jeff Buhler, hit the big screen in 2019. Centered around a supernaturally gifted child and the terrifying repercussions of his extraordinary intelligence, the movie successfully explores the intricacies of the horror genre, showcasing a thought-provoking narrative surrounding the themes of reincarnation, possession, and the battle between good and evil.

The film stars the incredibly talented Taylor Schilling, known for her mesmerizing performance in the hit series “Orange Is the New Black”, who artfully slips into the role of Sarah, a mother wrought with fear and desperation. Sarah begins to notice something wrong, not just clinically but supernaturally wrong, with her young genius son, Miles, played impeccably by Jackson Robert Scott, the breakout star of Stephen King’s “It”. After various disconcerting incidents, Sarah realizes that Miles isn't simply eccentric or precocious, but harbors something potentially dangerous and unfamiliar within him. The movie takes viewers into the chilling journey of a mother recognizing and grappling with a terrifying reality that her son becomes more and more unrecognizable every day.

Peter Mooney, well recognized for his performances in "Burden of Truth" and "Rookie Blue”, is cast as Sarah's husband. Adding a layer of emotional depth and turmoil to the movie, he delivers an impressive performance, skillfully embodying his character and helping to create the film’s captivating and uncertain atmosphere. With other noteworthy performances from talented actors like Colm Feore and Brittany Allen, the cast successfully brings a unique cinematic experience to life.

The movie builds on a steady and gripping trajectory of suspense, flitting across the realms of reality and the supernatural, as the tormented mother seeks answers. Fear, suspicion, maternal instincts, and the nooks and crannies of the human psyche are interwoven skillfully, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Schilling’s portrayal of a mother torn between love and fear in a bid to save her son is highly commendable, as she personifies the raw struggle and ache of motherhood. Scott, on the other hand, delivers a riveting performance of a boy grappling with a daringly malevolent force. Early in the movie, it’s clear that young Miles is no ordinary child, and as the plot unfolds, viewers will begin to bear witness to his ominous transformation.

A dark narrative that uses mystery, horror and psychological thrills as its backbone, the screenplay ignites the flame of intrigue, shedding light on the unknown. Furthermore, the film is beautifully shot, presenting stunning visuals that complement its chilling atmosphere. Director Nicholas McCarthy deserves applause for his excellent storytelling, and for masterfully creating a heavy blanket of anticipation, terror and shock.

What sets ‘The Prodigy’ apart from other movies of the horror genre is its exploration of the unthinkable - the transformation of innocence into evil. Buhler's brilliant script and McCarthy’s direction amplify the conventional horror tropes, while still maintaining depth and complexity. The Prodigy successfully tugs at the delicate strings of human emotion, exploring the boundaries of maternal love and the primal fear of the unknown, while also painting a portrait of a child possessed, blending psychological horror with supernatural terror.

'The Prodigy' is bound to send chills down any viewer’s spine, evolving from an unsettling exploration of a child prodigy's deviant behavior into a bone-chilling horror flick. The sublime performances, along with the chilling music score, enhance the horror effect, making the narrative both creepy and compelling from the beginning to the end. To sum up, 'The Prodigy' is not just a horror movie; it's an eerily fascinating portrayal of the struggle between a mother's love and the insidious forces of evil, striving to provide a fresh perspective within the genre. This movie is definitely a must-see for horror and thriller enthusiasts who prefer depth and thought-provoking narratives along with their suspense-filled chills.