Film of the Week: Flatliners

This isn’t a true remake for the original, but more of a reimagining. I haven’t seen the original so I haven’t anything to compare this film to; I can only talk about this 2017 version. The plot is certainly intriguing and anyone who hasn’t seen the original, this does well to build the world and explain what’s going on.

Unfortunately, it could have been much better than what it was. It’s a horror, but there wasn’t anything remotely scary, only predictable instances and clichéd hallucinations. Within the context of the film, they are different and would be interesting if they weren’t directed so like pretty much every other film that deals with hallucinations. There are plenty of positives, the acting, the pace of the film as the characters go through their unique experiences and possible solutions.

I found the first part entertaining, but the last half hour dragged on a bit, leaving me a little bored. I wanted to enjoy it, as there was much to question and figure out, especially if the hallucinations were actually inside their head or something else entirely, and because the film doesn’t explain what it was, there’s room for the audience to decipher, but the overall effect this film left me not wanting to do that.

The one thing that felt weird about this film, was how only the story was off. The direction, the editing, the acting, the overall atmosphere, the special effects, all were brilliant. Normally there are a few elements at any one time, but Flatliners only ever had the story which wasn’t on the same level as all the other elements. Due to only one component being out of sync with all the others, it does give a strange effect, and therefore it serves as a distraction more than anything else.

I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped, but I wouldn’t say it’s unrecommendable. For those who doesn’t like strong horror, this can be enjoyed. For those who are a fan of the actors involved, they do pull off a strong performance throughout. I didn’t personally enjoy this film, but I can see why it would be entertaining for others.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)