The Unraveling

It's a rare thing when I give anything labeled horror more than a passing glance. The genre has become so completely oversaturated by teen slasher flicks, soulless gorefests and inferior remakes. Having said that I'd say this film doesn't quite fit any of those labels. Of course there have been enough horrors over the years for a pretty well defined list of tropes to be a known part of the movie-going consciousness, but at least this film attempts something different though it doesn't quite succeed in the end.

......unless you have experienced this horror or love someone who has you might not think this film is any good. Although predicable, and a somewhat weak ending, this film does an ok job of showing what a monster addiction can be. If you really want an artistic and cringe worthy film that also deals with this theme watch Requiem For A Dream. Those characters needed an exorcism not intervention.

I am a ten plus year super fan of John Carpenter's The Thing (1982). As such, this review and my opinion of the movie each reflect that fact. As fellow fans of The Thing know, any time you see the words isolated, paranoia and horror, you get a little bit excited by the potential. The best part of the movie is in its buildup. It takes its good time presenting the story and building the tension and suspense, and it keeps patient viewers wondering, but with enough subtle hints so as not to be a snooze fest. The premise is solid, the location is solid, the pacing is solid and there are no stupid character decisions, no forced plot points and no movie-ruining political statements, but the ending is what really falls short and leaves me with mixed feelings about this movie.

"The Unraveling" is a genuine and tense horror/thriller without being overly graphic and violent. The film really had a unique premise and backstory. I loved the setup for the main character and I could not stop watching because it really did take me by surprise and went places that I have not seen in a movie before.

To my surprise this film pulled off drama better than most indie horror films I've seen. This film had a human element to it, where I felt like I was living the experience with Michael. It is a story of the human experience of life, love, and addiction. They do a profound job telling this story, taking their time with cinematic shots, dramatic and emotional music, and effective dialogue. A few parts fell flat but overall grab the popcorn, but don't expect just an edge of your seat thriller it was also heartfelt and well delivered.