The Visit (2015) - Horror Comedy Review

Summary of the Plot

The film introduces us to Becca and Tyler, two siblings embarking on a trip to visit their estranged grandparents for a week at their remote Pennsylvania farmhouse. Their mother, Loretta, had severed ties with her parents fifteen years earlier, and as a result, the kids are left unaware of the bizarre and twisted reality awaiting them. The siblings decide to document their visit through a camcorder, which sets the stage for chilling events to unfold. What starts as a heartwarming reunion swiftly devolves into a harrowing journey through an unsettling psychological landscape, prompting the children to confront terrifying truths about their grandparents.

Key Themes

- Family Dynamics: Central to the film is the complicated relationship between family members, underscoring themes of estrangement and reconciliation. As the siblings delve into their grandparents' secrets, the film cleverly explores the complexities of familial love and trust in the face of chilling revelations.

- Perception vs. Reality: Shyamalan excels in blurring the lines between safety and fear, fooling both the characters and the audience. The children’s innocent view of the world stands in stark contrast to the sinister reality that looms behind them.

- Humor and Horror: The film artfully balances comedic moments with genuine scares, evoking laughter and dread in equal measure. This mishmash encapsulates the absurdity of the situation while still rooting the characters’ experiences in palpable conflict.

Key Performances

Olivia DeJonge as Becca and Ed Oxenbould as Tyler deliver standout performances, showcasing chemistry that resonates throughout the film. DeJonge portrays Becca with a fierce determination, aiming to create a documentary that captures not only her family reunion but also the peculiarities she uncovers. Oxenbould injects humor into the film with his comedic antics, providing much-needed levity amidst growing tension.

Equally impressive are the performances of Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie as Nana and Pop Pop, respectively. They expertly oscillate between charming and monstrous, embodying the film’s central duality in a way that leaves viewers both unnerved and captivated.

Critical Analysis

"The Visit" triumphs in its innovative approach to the found footage genre, a style often criticized for its predictability. Shyamalan's use of humor creates a refreshing take, allowing the audience to breathe as tension mounts. The film skirts around traditional horror tropes without falling victim to cliché, instead, incorporating quirky dialogue and absurd circumstances that serve to heighten the looming dread.

While the pacing towards the film's conclusion may feel uneven to some, the unexpected twist that culminates the story is neatly crafted, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of uncertainty. Shyamalan’s direction strikes a balance between immersive storytelling and self-aware humor, transforming what could easily have become a formulaic horror movie into an engaging experience.

Conclusion

Overall, "The Visit" serves as both an ode to the found footage genre and as a standout entry in Shyamalan’s filmography. It’s a captivating narrative that invites viewers into a world of intrigue, humor, and genuine horror, intertwined with familial themes that resonate. Despite its few shortcomings, this film represents a commendable journey back to form for Shyamalan, making it a worthwhile watch for horror afficionados and fans of dark comedy alike.

The Visit(2015) FAQ