Succubus

I liked this movie quite a bit. I know nothing about dating apps - but the use if a dating app and the uses of chat and the computer/social media in general was very effective. My guess is that no dating app has women as young and attractive as most of those in whatever app Chris was using. And probably that not many women that young and attractive are very interested in going out with a father in the middle of a separation with a very young child, but what do I know?

If you get past that - and suspend belief that said father would not be suspicious about a woman who looked like Rachel Cook oozing over him - the movie is very much fun. Ron Perlman is not going to win an Academy Award for his performance, but the character was fun - I spent a lot of the movies trying to figure out whose side he was really on.

The succubus mythology was interesting and the final ending both surprising and foreshadowed.

An altogether competent bit of fun.

Written and directed by R. J. Daniel Hanna, the movie follows Chris (Brendan Bradley), a separated new father, creating an account on a dating app and finding himself lured by a mysterious girl he matched with named Adra (Rachel Cook).

Succubus is a movie that has a decent beginning where what is seen is mostly through the screen as the protagonist is video calling with his best friend while swiping right on the dating app. You can feel where the story is heading as he comes across Rachel Cook's profile. A profile that screams scam in every single way where to proceed would require a suspension of logic and sense, but nonetheless she is real, and from then on strange things start to happen. Brendan Bradley is good playing the struggling father, and Ron Perlman as Dr. Orion Zephyr is definitely a strong presence on the film. However, the story loses its steam in the second half where the turn of events departs from what came before and goes for the paranormal. It is one of those cases where it probably would have worked better if the story never left the initial setting and the realm of the real.

It could be said the movie is an allegory for monogamy since many times the decisions the protagonist takes, ultimately putting himself in danger, are always related to finding the fulfillment of desire outside matrimony. It would seem Succubus is preaching that pleasure should only be sought between monogamous normative relationships, and everything outside its realms is deemed a one-way path to doomland. In any case, it is a movie with a good idea that sadly was not translated to the screen.

The Plot: A new father struggling with fatigue, emotional insecurities, and a failing marriage joins a dating app, only to swipe right on what may be an inhuman presence.

This is perhaps the WORST movie made in 2024. Perhaps in the past ten full years. There is nothing to recommend it so I am shocked by the "ten" ratings saying this is a classic.

It's downright horrible on every level.

The direction is less than mediocre. The dude who directed this trash should never work again. The pace is literally slower than pouring honey in a glass.

You will find yourself saying -- can we get to the point already?

Plus, the script is way sub-par and the acting is mediocre at best.

Succubus is a captivating and innovative horror thriller that skillfully blends the supernatural with the anxieties of modern dating. Writer-director R. J. Daniel Hanna delivers a stylish and suspenseful film that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Brendan Bradley shines as Chris, a vulnerable father navigating a separation and seeking connection in the digital world. His performance captures the raw emotion of loneliness and longing, making him instantly relatable. Rachel Cook is mesmerizing as Adra, the seductive succubus who ensnares Chris in her web. Her portrayal is both alluring and terrifying, perfectly balancing vulnerability with a chillingly sinister undercurrent. Ron Perlman delivers a powerful supporting performance as the enigmatic Dr. Zephyr, adding another layer of intrigue to the film.

The film's unique approach to storytelling, seamlessly integrating "screenlife" elements with traditional cinematography, is a testament to Hanna's innovative vision. The "red room" sequences are visually stunning and emotionally disturbing, showcasing the film's technical mastery. The subtly pulsing electronic score and sharp editing further enhance the suspenseful atmosphere, creating a truly immersive experience.

Succubus is not just a horror film; it's a thought-provoking exploration of human connection, isolation, and the dark side of desire in the digital age. Its clever use of symbolism and social commentary elevates it beyond typical genre conventions, making it a must-see for fans of horror and thought-provoking cinema alike. Rachel Cook's Special Mention Best Actress award at Grimmfest and the film's Audience Award are well-deserved recognitions of its achievements. A triumph of contemporary horror.

I didn't have high expectations but the movie turned out to be quite good. It kept me on the edge of my seat and wasn't bored at all.

The actors were all good. Rachel Cook's performance was great. I was really surprised by it because after watching her previous movie (Kill Shot) I wasn't sure if she had much acting skills. But she was awesome in this one.

While the majority of the film was great, it completely fell apart in the final act. What an anticlimactic conclusion to an otherwise great little horror story.

Because of the stereotypical horror cliffhanger I would love to see a sequel especially if it doesn't pick up 6 months later but 20 years later or something like that. I think there is a lot of potential there.

(And just a sidenote: Was the full.frontal male nudity really necessary?)