If you’re a horror movie fan, you’ve probably heard of the latest psychological thriller, Old. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the film has been making waves in the horror genre since it hit theaters on July 23rd.
But is Old really as scary as people are making it out to be? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this movie so unsettling.
The Premise
Old follows a group of vacationers who become trapped on a secluded beach that causes them to age rapidly. As they try to figure out how to escape and reverse the effects, they also have to confront their deepest fears and desires.
The premise of Old is certainly unsettling – nobody wants to imagine themselves aging at such an accelerated rate. But does it translate into actual scares on screen?
The Atmosphere
One thing that Old does exceptionally well is create an eerie atmosphere. From the moment the characters arrive on the beach, there’s a sense of foreboding that hangs over everything.
The use of lighting and sound design is particularly effective in building tension. The beach itself is bathed in harsh sunlight, which only serves to emphasize how trapped and exposed the characters are. And as night falls, the darkness becomes oppressive and claustrophobic.
The Scares
Of course, no horror movie is complete without some scares. And while Old may not rely on jump scares or gore like some other films in the genre, it still manages to be deeply unsettling.
Some of the most effective moments in Old come from watching the characters slowly deteriorate as they age rapidly. There’s something deeply disturbing about seeing people lose control of their bodies and minds in such a visceral way.
But perhaps even more chilling are some of the psychological horrors that Old explores. The beach seems to bring out people’s worst fears and desires – whether it’s infidelity, mental illness, or something else entirely. And as the characters’ lives spiral out of control, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of creeping dread.
The Verdict
So, is Old really scary? The answer is yes – but it may not be for everyone. If you’re someone who’s easily frightened by psychological horror or body horror, you may want to give this one a miss.
But if you’re a fan of slow-burn scares and thought-provoking horror, Old is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to feel a little uneasy for days afterward.
- Pros:
- Effective atmosphere
- Clever use of psychological horror
- Cons:
- May be too unsettling for some viewers
- Some plot points are left unexplained
The Bottom Line
Old is a masterclass in slow-burn horror, with an eerie atmosphere and effective scares that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll. While it may not be for everyone, fans of the genre will definitely want to give this one a watch. Just make sure to bring a friend – you might need someone to hold onto during the tensest moments!
