The Vault

The Vault is a horror thriller movie released in 2017 that effortlessly combines elements of crime and supernatural horror into a gripping and suspense-driven narrative. It stars notable actors such as James Franco, Scott Haze, and Taryn Manning. Directed by Dan Bush and written by Conal Byrne and Bush, the film solely and effectively places the audience on the edge of their seat, from the opening sequence until the credits roll.

The narrative of The Vault revolves around two estranged sisters, Vee Dillon (Taryn Manning) and Leah Dillon (Francesca Eastwood), who plan a bank robbery to save their brother, Michael (Scott Haze). The character-driven plotline successfully emphasizes the close ties of family love and loyalty despite the tense scenario. Within the confines of this bank under siege, the characters navigate a tightrope of conflicting loyalties, dark hints of an unresolved past, and the simple instinct for survival.

James Franco is electric in his role as Ed Maas, an assistant bank manager with an indisputable air of mystery about him. It isn't long before Ed's character is pushed into the strange and unenviable position of guiding the robbers to an old vault in the bank's basement. However, the already tense situation escalates further when they access the massive underground area.

Taryn Manning delivers an excellent performance as Vee. Manning's portrayal of Vee, easily the toughest of the Dillon siblings, reveals a character both emotionally complicated and physically fierce. Scott Haze's portrayal of Michael is equally compelling, showcasing a desperate, complicated character driven to great lengths to protect his family. It is through the intricate tapestry of their performances that the film keeps us engaged and invested.

A significant edge to The Vault is how it infuses a classic bank heist plotline with the chilling elements of a supernatural horror film. The narrative thrust and tension lie not only in whether they'll get the money and outsmart the police but also how they'll contend with an increasingly threatening supernatural force in the hidden belly of the bank. Combining two contrasting genres, the movie becomes much more than a simple heist tale. This supernatural twist is masterfully built upon and becomes a vital part of the story, turning an otherwise grounded hostage story into something more mystically gruesome.

The sophisticated cinematography coupled with outstanding sound design and chilling visual effects creates an atmosphere of dread and imminent danger that enhances the story's tension. Scenes are crafted with care, using extensive shadow play and eerie soundscapes to raise the stakes and carry the audience deeper into the story's dangerous confines.

However, the movie is not merely about scares and thrills. The Vault also stands as a compelling exploration of human nature when people are pushed to their limits. It provides thoughtful insight into the characters' purely human motivations, displaying genuine themes of sacrifice, redemption, and survival. It challenges the audience to recognize and empathize with the humanity behind even the most morally indefensible actions, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

The Vault is not just for fans of horror and thriller flicks, but also for those who appreciate nuanced, character-driven storytelling. The film's tension lies not in jump scares, but in the combined sense of escalating dread and the characters' complex interactions. With its compelling performances, startling narrative shifts, and a genuinely creepy atmosphere, The Vault is certainly worth considering for fans of genre-bending cinema, or anyone looking for an adrenaline-pumping, suspense-filled movie experience. Whether viewers come for the visceral horror elements or the thrilling heist storyline, they'll undoubtedly stay for the deeply woven character interplay, unexpected twists, and eerie atmosphere that The Vault delivers.