31 Days of Horror: Summoned (2013)

 

Summoned offers a tense and eerie thriller that taps into the psychological fear of fate and retribution. The story centers around Laura, played by Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ashley Scott, a woman who served on the jury for a high-profile murder trial. After the trial ends, Laura discovers that her fellow jurors are dying in the order of their seating assignments. As her number draws closer, she races against time to uncover the truth behind these mysterious deaths before she becomes the next victim.


The film manages to keep the viewer engaged with its suspenseful premise. The tension builds as Laura's investigation leads her down a dark path filled with secrets, supernatural twists, and dangerous confrontations. The pacing is decent, and the movie effectively uses its atmospheric tone to evoke dread. It’s a satisfying mystery that keeps you guessing, even if it doesn’t necessarily break new ground in the genre.


However, the film stumbles a bit in its final act. The inclusion of the final five minutes, where Laura confronts the ex-girlfriend at the cemetery, feels tacked on and unnecessary. This scene weakens the tight conclusion, giving the audience too much closure and dampening the movie’s overall impact. Had it ended just before this scene, the film would have left a more lingering sense of ambiguity, which could have elevated the story.

Despite this, Summoned is an enjoyable thriller for those who love mysteries with a supernatural edge. It’s the kind of movie that works well for a rainy day, offering enough intrigue and suspense to keep you hooked until the end.

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