A Malignancy in the Cinematic Landscape

 

Release date: 10 September 2021 (USA)
Genre: Horror/Crime
Director: James Wan
Cinematographer: Michael Burgess
Budget: $40 million USD
Box office: $34 million USD

 

4 MIN Read Time

 

“It’s time to cut out the cancer.” – Gabriel

 

In this ever-changing world of movies, there are films that shine like brilliant stars, leaving audiences in awe and sparking conversations that last for years. Then there are those that dim, flicker, and ultimately fade into obscurity. “Malignant” (2021), directed by the visionary James Wan, sadly belongs to the latter category. With a meagre rating of 3 out of 10 stars, this film is not only a disappointment; it’s a missed opportunity for something truly remarkable.

At the heart of “Malignant” lies a promising premise, one that could have unfolded into a gripping narrative. The story revolves around Madison, portrayed by Annabelle Wallis, a character haunted by a vindictive killer. Yet, as one delves deeper into the plot, it becomes evident that the film is plagued by inconsistencies and underdeveloped subplots. The twist at the film’s conclusion, something that had the potential to be a thrilling revelation, is instead a poorly executed gimmick, leaving audiences bewildered and unsatisfied.

While a compelling plot can elevate a film, fully realised characters are equally essential for crafting an engaging story. Unfortunately, “Malignant” falters in this aspect. Madison, the supposed protagonist, is more akin to a prop for shock scares than a fully developed character. Her backstory remains largely implied, and the audience is left yearning for a deeper connection. Without a genuine understanding of her character, it’s challenging to empathise with her plight.

A film’s setting can be as much a character as the actors themselves, shaping the atmosphere and tone. In “Malignant,” the decision to place the story in Seattle feels uninspired and devoid of any tangible significance. The city hardly contributes to the narrative, resulting in a lacklustre backdrop that fails to engage or immerse the audience.

 

 

Moreover, when it comes to horror, one expects a spine-tingling, heart-pounding experience. Unfortunately, “Malignant” falls short in delivering genuine scares. Despite its marketing as a horror film, it relies on clichéd and outdated horror elements, reminiscent of mid-’00s J-horror remakes. The excessive use of flickering screens and faces reflected in glass surfaces feels like a tired, formulaic approach.

Dialogue, a fundamental element of storytelling, is another area where “Malignant” stumbles. Conversations between characters often come across as forced and unnatural, pulling audiences out of the narrative. Expository dialogue is used to excess, transforming character interactions into tedious bullet-point presentations.

It’s important to note that the actors in “Malignant” put forth commendable efforts. They do their best with the material they’ve been given, attempting to breathe life into underdeveloped characters. However, the weak script and lack of character depth ultimately hinder their ability to leave a lasting impact.

“Malignant” presents itself as a film with immense potential but fails to deliver on multiple fronts. It’s a hodgepodge of underdeveloped plotlines, one-dimensional characters, and uninspired visuals. While the film may have had the potential to be a captivating horror thriller, it ultimately falls flat due to its numerous shortcomings.

Some might argue that “Malignant” takes bold risks and embraces the weird. While innovation is often commendable in the world of cinema, these risks don’t translate into an engaging or satisfying cinematic experience. Instead, they contribute to making “Malignant” a malignancy in the cinematic landscape, a film that misses the mark and leaves audiences yearning for something more substantial and memorable. In an industry that thrives on pushing boundaries and redefining genres, “Malignant” unfortunately falls short of the mark, failing to leave a lasting impression on the vast canvas of cinematic storytelling.

 

My Rating: 3/10

 

 

Watch the trailer here: