Abandoned – Movie Review (3/5)

ABANDONED is a new horror movie with lots of symbolism and important messages. With a psychological horror base, it has a tight grip on that eerie vibe that does not let up. However, it is too long. Read our full Abandoned movie review here!

ABANDONED is a new horror movie that has a small but very strong cast. In fact, I would argue that you could watch this movie simply based on its cast. And yes, they do deliver as strong performances as you’d expect from them.

Just please, skip the trailer or you’ll be spoiled in several major ways!

The story itself could have been stronger. Or maybe just tighter. A runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes is simply too long. Especially because most of the story hinges on symbolism focused on psychological conditions. It’s relevant and intriguing, but as a movie, this could have been stronger.

Continue reading our Abandoned movie review below. The movie is out in theaters from June 17 and On Demand from June 24, 2022.

Timeless setting and characters

We never know exactly when Abandoned takes place. Instead, we experience a brutal opening and then there’s a 40-year time jump into the future. Now, that does not bring us to the present day. In fact, it’s all rather timeless while feeling distinctly not in the present.

For one, there is no TV, nor any smartphones or laptops. Instead, we’re in a very rural area and a house with old furniture. Something especially the husband (played by John Gallagher Jr.) seems to like. Almost in a very hipster-like way, where anything “retro” or “vintage” is cool by definition.

But that would set the story in the present which it doesn’t feel like otherwise.

Also, I can’t imagine bringing a new mother, who clearly suffers from post-partum depression to a new house with no people around would be smart by any modern standards. Especially since she’s left alone with the sweet little boy almost all day.

The cast of Abandoned

As the closest neighbor, we see a character played by Michael Shannon. He is very laid back and restrained – and yes, a bit weird, but doesn’t feel dangerous. This is a very interesting role for Michael Shannon. Despite it being a rather small role (in terms of screen time compared to Emma Roberts), it’s really good for him. Or he is good for this role!

Emma Roberts plays the role of a young mother, struggling to make sense of both motherhood and life in general. In trying to make life better for her husband (and hopefully, their family as a whole) she agrees to move to a very rural area. Not a good idea, but Emma Roberts plays the character perfectly.

EMMA ROBERTS AS A PRODUCER

Check out the latest project from Emma Roberts as a producer here >

Overall, Michael Shannon is good, Emma Roberts is really great and John Gallagher Jr. (an actor I really like) is very underutilized. Especially since most of his storyline is what should have been cut to make for a stronger core story.

How bad can you feel?!

Abandoned is a movie that features a rather bleak story. One that has depression and anxiety constantly doing battle. And you’re the loser in that battle since you continue to be plagued by both.

Now, I’m not saying Abandoned made me feel depressed or angsty. The characters in this movie do feel this way a lot though. And I am saying that the main protagonist (played extremely well by Emma Roberts) suffers a lot during the runtime.

Maybe that’s why it feels too long. You feel the need to let her have a break. Also, yes, there is a very real horror story there as well. It isn’t just “in her head” that things are weird. The house in this movie – almost a character in its own right – is creepy and has a bone-chilling history.

Check out Abandoned in a theater or on digital

Abandoned is the feature film debut of Spencer Squire and I truly appreciate the message and core story. There is a strong psychological horror base that keeps you very engaged. Especially thanks to a very tight grip on that eerie vibe that never lets up. You always get the feeling that something terrible could be right around the corner.

The screenplay was written by Erik Patterson and Jessica Scott. Both the (albeit very small) storyline and the way this story was told have a lot going for them. With just a few tweaks, this movie could’ve hit a lot harder. In other words, I expect great things from Spencer Squire in the future. Hopefully, he can live up to this!

If you enjoy a good psychological horror movie with supernatural elements and some seriously bad vibes in an old rural house, then Abandoned is definitely right up your alley.

Abandoned is out in US theaters from June 17, and will be released on digital and On-Demand from June 24, 2022.

Details

Director: Spencer Squire
Writers: Erik Patterson, Jessica Scott
Actors: Emma Roberts, John Gallagher Jr., Paul Schneider, Michael Shannon