Roses Have Thoughts

“The Empty Man” is a psychological horror film released in 2020, directed by David Prior. The film is an adaptation of a graphic novel of the same name by Cullen Bunn and Vanesa R. Del Rey. As a horror movie enthusiast, I was drawn to “The Empty Man” with high expectations. While it had its moments, it ultimately left me with mixed feelings.

First and foremost, the film’s strongest aspect is its atmospheric and psychological horror elements. It excels in creating a sense of unease and dread that lingers throughout the movie. Visual cues and eerie sound design effectively build tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The cinematography by Andrew Shulkind is top-notch, offering some striking and memorable visuals, particularly in the opening sequence set in Bhutan. These atmospheric elements work to create a mood that’s both unique and unsettling.

The plot of “The Empty Man” is where things start to get complicated. While the film’s initial setup is intriguing, the narrative becomes increasingly convoluted as it progresses. The movie attempts to blend multiple storylines and timelines, weaving together a cult, a supernatural entity, and a detective’s investigation. This complexity can be engaging for those who enjoy intricate narratives, but it can also be a source of confusion for others. At times, it feels like the film tries too hard to be cryptic, and some plot points are left underdeveloped.

James Badge Dale’s performance as the lead character, James Lasombra, is commendable. He delivers a convincing portrayal of a troubled ex-cop who becomes entangled in the mysteries surrounding the Empty Man. The supporting cast also gives solid performances, but their characters lack depth and development, which leaves a gap in the emotional connection viewers can establish with them.

It starts off with a 15-minute long sequence that follows a group of hikers in the Ura Valley, Bhutan that could have been its own short story. One of the major issues with the film is its pacing. Clocking in at over two hours, “The Empty Man” feels overly long and drawn out in places. There are stretches of the movie where not much happens, and it becomes a test of patience. A tighter edit could have made the film more engaging and less of a slow burn.

The supernatural elements of the movie, particularly the Empty Man entity, are intriguing, but they could have been better explained. The film leaves much of its supernatural lore open to interpretation, which can be a polarizing choice. Some viewers may appreciate the ambiguity, while others may find it frustrating. In the end, I wished for more concrete answers to the questions raised by the narrative.

“The Empty Man” has its moments of true horror that are genuinely unsettling, but it doesn’t deliver consistent scares. There are scenes that will make your skin crawl, but they are interspersed with long stretches of slow, atmospheric buildup. The film’s conclusion attempts to tie together its complex threads, but it may leave some viewers wanting more closure.

In conclusion, “The Empty Man” is a film that has moments of brilliance in its atmospheric and psychological horror elements. However, it struggles with a convoluted plot, pacing issues, and a lack of clarity in its supernatural elements. It’s a movie that will likely polarize audiences, with some finding its enigmatic nature appealing, while others might be left unsatisfied. If you’re a fan of slow-burning, cryptic horror films and are willing to invest in unraveling a complex narrative, “The Empty Man” may be worth a watch. For those seeking more straightforward scares and a well-defined storyline, it might not hit the mark.

IMDB