By Jacob Cameron

The Front Room is a horror-drama hybrid from the wonderfully demented minds at A24.  From Hereditary to It Comes at Night, and all points in between, horror is one of A24’s strong points.  With that in mind, the studio has produced some horror films that are truly bonkers.  Crazy to the point where it surpasses any enjoyment and passes into bewilderment and frustration.  Thankfully, The Front Room is an actual good horror film; while not being one of the best from the studio.

The Front Room was written and directed by twin brothers Max & Sam Eggers; while also being half brothers of director Robert Eggers.  It tells the story of a married couple named Belinda and Norman played by Brandy Norwood & Andrew Burnap respectively.  They are expecting their first child while dealing with the stresses both personally and professionally.  Norman’s father passes away.  The loss triggers a reunion between Norman and his stepmother Solange, played by Kathryn Hunter.  Solange is an ignorant and racist individual; but agrees to will every cent she has to the couple upon her death should they take her into their home.  The couple agrees, and a series of wild events take place.

Brandy Norwood and Kathryn Hunter are the reasons to watch this film.  Hunter is especially despicable in this film.  In a lesser movie, her character could’ve been taken over the top.  The racist elements of this character are grounded and this decision benefits the film.  Even if you take these elements out, Solange is treated as an invasive parasite.  Solange in this movie is like the plant Kinzu, an invasive plant that is commonly referred to as “the plant that ate the south.”

Norwood’s performance is just as good as the one from Hunter.  Her character was already dealing with a lot of problems before Solange was welcomed into her home.  Her frustrations are understandable and it’s easy to feel sympathetic for her plight.  At about three-quarters of the way through the film, there is a montage that documents Norwood’s character having to care for the “messes” of both Solange and the newborn baby later named Laurie.  Norman helps where he can, but his efforts are ultimately futile.

There seems to be a prevailing sense, from the marketing for this film, that there may be some supernatural elements at play in the film.  However, while this is teased, nothing truly supernatural happens.  Solange claims that she is imbued with a “spirit” as she is deeply religious, but the power Solange has appears to be more psychological than anything tangible.  The film dances around the idea of the supernatural and it comes across as a half-measure.  In fact, the movie feels like there were supposed to be more demented elements at play but this is never followed through on.

At the end of the day, The Front Room has two great performances that anchor the film and allow for a modest recommendation.  However, if you are looking for something more along the lines of Hereditary, this film is not that.  The film is good, but it could have been better.

3 stars