Come Play (2020), directed by Jacob Chase, is a chilling supernatural thriller that centers around a young boy, Oliver (Azhy Robertson), and his encounters with a terrifying entity named "Larry." Based on Chase's short film Larry, the movie effectively taps into modern-day fears of technology while weaving in classic horror elements to deliver an engaging experience. The cast includes Gillian Jacobs and John Gallagher Jr. as Oliver's parents, who struggle to protect him from Larry's sinister intentions.
The film revolves around Oliver, a lonely boy on the autism spectrum who communicates through a smartphone app due to his inability to speak. His isolation makes him vulnerable to Larry, a grotesque monster that appears through screens, seeking a "friend." Larry's manifestation via mobile devices is a clever, modern twist, as it brings horror into an everyday setting—phones, tablets, and screens, which are omnipresent in our lives.
One of Come Play's strengths is its ability to craft
tension through subtle scares rather than relying on overt jump scares. The
creeping sense of dread is enhanced by the effective use of lighting, sound,
and technology to create eerie moments where the lines between reality and the
digital world blur. Scenes where Larry's shadowy figure lurks just outside the
frame or moves within a darkened room are genuinely unsettling.
Azhy Robertson gives a standout performance as Oliver,
conveying his vulnerability and isolation with nuance. His relationship with
Larry is the emotional core of the story, and it's both heartbreaking and
frightening to watch Oliver grapple with the creature's manipulative attempts
to "befriend" him. Jacobs and Gallagher Jr. provide solid
performances as the concerned parents, adding emotional depth to the family
dynamic as they come to terms with Oliver’s struggles and the threat Larry
poses.
While the film is largely about scares and suspense, it also touches on deeper themes of loneliness, connection, and the dangers of isolation. These themes resonate throughout the story, making it more than just a typical creature feature. Larry isn't just a monster; he represents the very real emotional distance and detachment that can occur, particularly when technology becomes a substitute for human interaction.
What sets Come Play apart from other horror films is
its unexpectedly uplifting ending. Without giving too much away, the conclusion
provides a surprising sense of closure and warmth, which is rare in the horror
genre, especially when dealing with supernatural entities. It avoids the
typical tragic or ambiguous ending, offering instead a resolution that balances
the horror with heartfelt moments. This departure from convention makes the
film stand out in a genre often defined by bleak outcomes.
Overall, Come Play is a solid entry into the horror-thriller space. It delivers a blend of atmospheric tension, emotional depth, and creepy creature design. Though it may not reinvent the wheel, the film successfully integrates its themes of loneliness and technology into a supernatural framework, with a climax that’s both terrifying and surprisingly poignant. It's a decent, family-centric horror that offers a more hopeful ending than most films of its kind, making it a unique watch for fans of the genre.
Comments
Post a Comment