The Shade

4.5 is slightly underrated. The acting was completely natural. This is the first time I've ever paid attention to how well Chris Galust can act and is it just me or does he look a little like Jack Dawson aka Leonardo DiCaprio? I couldn't help but watching him act and envisioning young Leo with the same mannerisms and features. Anyway with that said this movie can really test your movie watching endurance. While it does have a few good climaxes they are few and far between one another. So after something happens you're kind of just watching a bunch more character building until you get a slight pop of a demon and then your back in the therapist chair or laying with the Misses. The beginning starts of promising but it kind of gets debunked when you realize that isn't what really happens. Good movie good acting super super super slow burn. 2 hours was completely unnecessary. 4.5 is low it could gotten 5.5 or even a 6 easy but I'll go with 5.

You spent two precious hours of my time to explain nothing! Where is the explanation about what I'm looking at and why is this movie so long just to leave people hanging? Is this a generational curse? A curse for the men in the family? Or is the illness a generational curse that's causing all of these issues? Why aren't these idiots taking medication? You seek therapy but don't seek any other preventative measures. This movie is literally about how self destructive people with mental illnesses are but how it also impacts those around them. Yet for some reason I doubt that was the intent. You didn't just give the creature the middle finger, you gave it to the audience too.

The Shade (2023) is not your typical horror film. While it certainly has its share of chilling moments, it's far more than just another dumb jump-scare flick. This is a film with a powerful message, one that explores the dark and often taboo subjects of grief, mental illness, and family trauma.

What sets The Shade apart is its allegorical approach to horror. The entity that haunts the characters is more than just a monster; it's a representation of the destructive cycle of depression and suicide that can plague families for generations. This metaphorical layer adds a depth and complexity to the film that elevates it above standard horror fare.

The film follows Ryan, a young man struggling to cope with the recent loss of his father. As he grapples with his own grief and anxiety, he begins to see a terrifying vision that no one else can see. This vision leads him down a dark path, forcing him to confront a hidden family secret that has been buried for years.

The Shade is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche, and it's sure to spark important conversations about mental health and the importance of seeking help.

If you're looking for a horror film that is both terrifying and meaningful, The Shade is definitely worth checking out.

Film all in all is not bad - the metaphors make it across the board, the characters and acting is well for the most part, the cinematography and thensome is phneomal, however the issue I personally had was the fact that the film dragged it's feet through thick mud. If you're expecting this to he a horror flick to the core, scary - immediately disregard that, this is an all in all very reality stricken tale of many challenging emotions like depression, grief and the repercussions of what our lashing actions can do. It really gets the messages across the board well, but as said, thick mud. I can see many people losing their patience with this one, finding it boring with its very prominent slow burn approach. This is a film to watch, if you're seeking to immerse yourself in this characters trauma and grief journey, as well as get a glimpse of some really well captured raw emotions.

I fully see where they were going, I personally enjoy the message and thensome, however with its extremely slow wrapping up and ending that ( for me ) felt like the capsize of this film, this was quite an endurance to sit through and watch. Mentally prepare and know what this film has to offer before jumping in.

"The Shade" is a deceptive film, masquerading as a traditional horror flick but revealing itself to be a poignant exploration of grief, depression, and the lengths we will go to protect those we love.

The film follows Ryan, who is grappling with the loss of his father. As he attempts to maintain a semblance of normalcy for his family, his older brother begins exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior.

What sets "The Shade" apart is its refusal to rely on cheap scares or jump scares. Instead, it delves deep into the emotional turmoil experienced by its characters. The horror is not supernatural, but rather the psychological torment inflicted by grief and loss. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters' struggles which is why I want to clearly state, that this is not a horror film. Because those expectations will have you starting to squirm in your seat thirty minutes into its two hour plus run-time.

The performances are exceptional, with Chris Galust (Ryan) delivering a raw and emotionally charged portrayal of a young man struggling to cope with immense pain. The supporting cast is equally impressive, adding depth and nuance to the story.

While "The Shade" may not be the adrenaline-fueled horror film that some may be expecting, it is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.