Malevolence 2: Bereavement - A Decent Slasher with a Chronological Headache

Malevolence 2: Bereavement, a film that initially captured my attention as a standalone slasher, proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions upon a second viewing, especially when considering its connection to the original Malevolence. Released without the clear indication that it was a prequel, the movie, at first glance, showcased a decent slasher storyline with its fair share of flaws.

When I first saw Bereavement a few years ago, I found it to be an engaging and suspenseful horror film. The movie had its moments, and the suspenseful atmosphere kept me on the edge of my seat. However, I was unaware at the time that it was tied to the Malevolence universe.

Viewing it as a standalone movie, there were undeniable issues. The plot had its fair share of holes, and certain elements felt contrived. The character development was lacking, and some scenes seemed to rely more on shock value than genuine storytelling. Despite these flaws, the film managed to deliver on the slasher front, providing the gore and tension that fans of the genre crave.

However, everything changed when I revisited Bereavement after watching Malevolence. The film's flaws became glaringly apparent as the timeline presented in the prequel did not align with the events of the original. The disconnect in the timeline was a bit jarring, leaving me questioning the overall coherence of the Malevolence universe.

The characters, who initially seemed to exist in a vacuum of horror tropes, now felt out of place in the larger narrative. The tension that once felt genuine now seemed forced, and the impact of certain scenes was diminished due to the inconsistencies in the timeline.

While Malevolence 2: Bereavement may stand on its own as a passable slasher film, its reputation takes a severe hit when viewed in the context of the broader Malevolence universe. The flaws that were forgivable in isolation become glaring issues when the films are put together. For those who enjoyed the original Malevolence and are hoping for a seamless prequel experience, Bereavement may leave them with more questions than answers.

In conclusion, my rating for Malevolence 2: Bereavement dropped significantly upon this revisit. As a standalone slasher, it has its merits, but when viewed as part of the Malevolence saga, it fails to align the pieces of the puzzle, leaving the audience with a disjointed and unsatisfying cinematic experience.