The Void

The Void (2017) is a Canadian supernatural horror film directed by Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie, known for their association with the Astron-6 film group. It premiered at the 2016 Fantastic Fest and later received a wider release in 2017. The movie boasts a mix of Lovecraftian themes, visceral horror, and a spiraling descent into madness, all wrapped in an homage to the classic horror cinema of the 1980s, with practical effects that offer a refreshing deviation from the CGI-heavy trends of modern horror movies.

The narrative unfolds primarily at a rural hospital, which is preparing to shut down. Daniel Carter (Aaron Poole), a local police officer who discovers a blood-soaked man limping down a deserted road, rushes him to the understaffed hospital. There, the remaining medical staff, including Dr. Richard Powell (Kenneth Welsh), nurse Allison Fraser (Kathleen Munroe), and intern Kim (Ellen Wong), are dealing with the night shift and the preparation for relocation. Daniel’s estranged wife, Allison, who also works as a nurse at the hospital, adds an undercurrent of personal tension to the already stressful situation.

The situation intensifies when odd and gruesome events begin to unfold in and around the hospital. A pair of men brandishing firearms, father-and-son duo Vincent (Daniel Fathers) and Simon (Mik Byskov), follow the injured man to the hospital, demanding to know his whereabouts. Their aggressive and mysterious demeanor hints at knowledge of something sinister connected to the man and the ensuing chaos.

As if the circumstances weren't dire enough, the hospital soon becomes encircled by a group of mysterious cult-like figures wearing white robes marked with a black triangle, effectively trapping everyone inside. Their silent intimidation and the symbols they display hint at occult undertones and a deeper, more disturbing agenda.

Inside the hospital, reality begins to unravel. Terrifying and inexplicable phenomena plague the staff and patients. Grotesque creatures and reality-bending horrors begin to manifest, indicating that an otherworldly force is at play. Each character's sanity is tested as they grapple with the unfolding terror and the increasingly blurred lines between the real and the surreal.

The Void pays tribute to the body horror subgenre, embracing the grotesque and macabre with an affection that feels both sincere and robustly nostalgic. The film places emphasis on atmospherics and tension, utilizing dimly lit corridors, an evocative score, and a sense of isolation to create a claustrophobic and oppressive mood that permeates throughout the narrative.

As hallucinations and monstrosities become more frequent, the characters' backstories begin to intertwine with the horrific events. Revelations about past traumas, mistakes, and motivations are cleverly interwoven, contributing to the film’s emotional resonance and depth. The characters are forced to confront not only the physical dangers that lurk within the hospital's walls but also their internal demons and regrets.

While the film boasts notable practical effects, it doesn’t shy away from thematic complexity. The Void delves into concepts of life after death, the nature of existence, and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. It raises questions about what lies beyond the fabric of our reality, and the dangers of seeking answers to questions that humanity may not be prepared to understand.

The directors, Kostanski and Gillespie, exhibit a clear passion for the genre. By focusing on practical effects and prosthetics, they pay homage to the tactile craftsmanship of 1980s horror cinema, invoking a sense of nostalgia among fans. The film deliberately leaves some aspects of its plot ambiguous, encouraging viewers to engage with its mysteries and form their interpretations.

What also sets The Void apart is its willingness to leave the audience in the dark, much like the characters within the film. This decision to embrace ambiguity contributes to the unsettling tone and enhances the sense of dread. The lack of clear-cut explanations for the bizarre occurrences reflects the film's Lovecraftian influences, suggesting that some horrors are beyond the realm of human comprehension.

Like a fever dream steeped in shadows, The Void is a nightmarish journey into otherworldly terrors that blend the cosmic and the intimate. It is a film that relishes in the unknown and the unseen, creating an atmosphere where the possibilities of horror are endless, and the void itself is a place of both terror and fascination. It serves as a reminder of why the horror genre captivates: not just for the thrill of fright, but also for the allure of the unexplored and the profound unease that comes from confronting the abyss.