They Come Back

They Come Back is a 2007 suspenseful horror drama film directed by John Bradshaw and leading performances by Mia Kirshner, Jonathan Watton, and Niamh Wilson. Gravitating around supernatural occurrences, the film takes the audience on a thrilling journey, testing the boundaries of reality and the spirit realm.

Mia Kirshner breathes life into the character of Faith, a woman who, along with her husband, Lucas, played by Jonathan Watton, decides to start a new chapter of their lives. They make a decision to relocate from urban chaos to a tranquil suburban town to provide a peaceful environment to raise their daughter, Megan, portrayed by Niamh Wilson. However, soon after their move to this quaint community, things begin to take a strange turn.

The movie's plot thickens when Faith starts working as a child psychologist, providing her much-needed balance to her life, but she starts noticing something extraordinary. She finds herself surrounded by supernatural occurrences involving the spirits of children. The haunting presence and increasing interaction with the dead children who have unresolved issues disrupt the normal life that their family was hoping to enjoy in this town.

As Faith starts digging deeper into this mysterious manifestation of spirits, it’s revealed that the children come back, seeking help to put an end to their restless lingering. Even her daughter, Megan, exhibits signs of having preternatural abilities, adding another layer of intrigue to the plot.

Mia Kirshner, famously known for her role in The L Word, pulls off a terrific performance as she straddles between the earthly realm and the spiritual plane, displaying a wide emotional palette from fear and disbelief to determination. Jonathan Watton provides a steady foil as Lucas, balancing the increasing chaos with his pragmatic approach to dealing with the surreal happenings around them. Niamh Wilson, despite being a newcomer, delivers a significant, nuanced performance as Megan, mature beyond her years.

While the film may appear as a typical ghost story, it's far from the clichés. It begins as a simple tale about a small family relocating in search of peace and tranquility. Yet, as events unravel, it proceeds to an exploration of the supernatural with an underlying message about human empathy and understanding – even towards those who are not part of the world of the living.

The film is a novel, mature take on the genre and skillfully juggles elements of mystery, suspense, and horror throughout its run-time, never overselling any single emotion. Masterfully directed by John Bradshaw, every scene seems to contribute to the escalating tension and an eerie atmosphere that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

A specific mention is the mood set by the creative team with their particular choice of the ambient light and scenery of a suburban small town. The cinematography is undeniably one of the stars of the show. Each shot and angle is deftly composed to heighten suspense and to effectively maintain tension. Equally impressive is the sound design and the intensely unnerving score that complements the film’s thematic scope, further immersing the viewers into the mysterious occurrences in the small town.

They Come Back takes its audience deep into the movie's hauntingly beautiful world of supernatural elements with an intense plot, strong character development, and stellar performances by the cast. It provides the right mix of thrilling suspense and heart-wrenching drama, allowing viewers to fully invest in the characters' journey to unravel the mystery of the spirits they encounter.

In conclusion, They Come Back serves as a refreshing take on the horror genre. It combines spine-chilling sequences with a hauntingly emotional storyline to give viewers an unforgettable cinematic experience. The movie guarantees a magnificent ride that would appeal to lovers of suspense, drama, and supernatural mysteries, not just the hardcore horror fanatics. It explores the unusual along with a sensitive depiction of familial relationships, venturing into a realm which is less-explored, thereby making it a must-watch.