The Shadow Within
- Release Date:August 17, 2009
- Distributor:Peacock
- The Film:2.0
This supernatural thriller navigates a well-trodden course, and unfortunately doesn't produce enough tension to...
This supernatural thriller navigates a well-trodden course, and unfortunately doesn't produce enough tension to rate as anything special. Nine-year-old Maurice (Laurence Belcher) can connect with his brother, who died at birth. His still grieving mother (Beth Winslet) is cajoled by local busybody Madame Armand (Hayley J. Williams) into using Maurice as a medium to bring forth the spirit of his deceased brother. When Maurice's brother emerges, instead of providing comfort to his mother, he reveals his dark intentions instead. Rather than leaving the supernatural activity largely off-camera and building tension by suggestion (an invaluable approach when working with a limited budget), the filmmakers opt to unleash tacky effects that induce chuckles instead of scares. The premise has potential, but flat performances, poor characterisations, and a lack of suspense lend the endeavour an air of amateurishness.
