Roses Have Thoughts

For obvious reasons, 2020 was a strange year for cinema and it drove people to watch films they otherwise wouldn’t see, it ended up being The Vigil, the decidedly entertaining directorial debut from Keith Thomas.

Set within the confines of a tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn, the film’s premise centres around a centuries-old Jewish ritual, the shemira, where a person watches over the body of a deceased community member until dawn.

At the heart of the narrative is Yakov, a young man grappling with his faith and haunted by a traumatic past. Played masterfully by Dave Davis, Yakov agrees to take on the role of a shomer (vigil watcher) to make ends meet, setting the stage for a night of terror and psychological torment. Davis excels in portraying the internal conflict and vulnerability of his character, adding depth and emotional weight to the story.

The movie’s strength lies in its ability to weave a tense and eerie atmosphere, utilizing both psychological horror and elements of supernatural terror. As Yakov remains alone with the body, the house becomes a character itself, evoking a sense of dread through its creaking floors, dimly lit hallways, and ominous shadows lurking around each corner. The cinematography expertly captures the claustrophobic setting, amplifying the feeling of isolation and impending doom.

The use of Jewish folklore adds a unique and intriguing layer to the horror. The demon known as a “mazzik” is the focal point of the terror that unfolds during the vigil. The film cleverly intertwines the cultural and religious aspects with the horror elements, creating an authentic and deeply unsettling experience. This cultural specificity adds a fresh angle to the supernatural elements often seen in horror movies, offering a refreshing departure from more conventional storylines.

However, while the film excels in building tension and an eerie ambience, some viewers might find the pacing slightly slow in the initial stages. The gradual buildup might test the patience of those expecting more immediate scares. Additionally, the plot’s reliance on certain horror tropes could be predictable for seasoned horror enthusiasts, diminishing the element of surprise in certain instances.

Overall, “The Vigil” is a well-crafted and atmospheric horror film that effectively blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. Dave Davis’s compelling performance and the film’s cultural authenticity make it a standout within the horror landscape. While it may not cater to those seeking rapid scares, its ability to create a lingering sense of unease and its cultural richness make it a worthwhile watch for horror aficionados.

IMDB