Review of The Front Room: Kathryn Hunter’s Brilliantly Unhinged Performance Overshadowed by Weak Elements of Horror

A24 has firmly positioned itself within the indie horror landscape, gaining acclaim for films like the psychological thriller Hereditary and the supernatural chiller Talk to Me. The studio has a history of collaboration with distinct filmmakers, notably Robert Eggers on his celebrated projects The Witch and The Lighthouse. In an interesting evolution of their narrative repertoire, A24 has now teamed up with the Eggers brothers, Max and Sam, for the absurdist psychological horror The Front Room. However, despite its ambitious premise, the film ultimately feels lacking in impact.

Inspired by Susan Hill’s short story, The Front Room centers on Belinda, portrayed by Brandy, marking her return to horror after a hiatus. Belinda is a pregnant woman grappling with the aftermath of her firstborn’s death, plagued by disturbing visions during her episodes of sleepwalking. As her due date looms, her husband Norman faces the grief of losing his father to stomach cancer, forcing him to confront the brutality of his abusive childhood with his stepmother, Solange. The couple’s inheritance hinges on Solange moving in with them, leading to an inevitable spiral into chaos.

Familiar Premise, Overused Tropes

Narrative Lacks Originality

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For horror aficionados, the storyline of The Front Room may evoke a sense of déjà vu. Its plot elements—featuring an ominous elderly figure reminiscent of Ari Aster’s Hereditary and the newborn’s fate echoing themes from The First Omen as well as A24’s own False Positive—provide little that feels fresh. The thematic exploration of motherhood and the struggles faced during pregnancy holds significant potential; unfortunately, this film fails to capitalize on it, glossing over critical emotional depths.

Additionally, several narrative threads appear underdeveloped, diminishing their overall impact. While the Eggers brothers aim to create tension through Solange’s erratic behavior, this approach raises more questions than it answers. The parallel between managing an elderly, troubled stepmother and caring for a newborn remains underexplored, with moments such as Solange’s constant call for help often feeling like a trite ploy for attention rather than a meaningful storyline.

Visually Striking Direction by the Eggers Brothers

Script Falls Short of Visual Standards

In contrast to its narrative shortcomings, The Front Room shines visually. The Eggers brothers, alongside cinematographer Ava Berkofsky, manage to craft a hauntingly immersive atmosphere, using visual storytelling to amplify the mood and tension. The evolving dynamics within the house, dictated by Solange’s presence, subtly alters the space in remarkable ways, complementing the surreal experiences faced by Belinda.

Nevertheless, the film’s visual artistry cannot compensate for its script’s deficiencies. The Eggers brothers aim to tackle complex issues such as racism, religious oppression, and generational trauma. However, their exploration feels superficial, lacking the depth required to resonate with viewers meaningfully. Furthermore, the recurrent focus on Solange’s incontinence tends to overshadow more pressing themes, coming across as an unoriginal attempt at dark humor rather than offering insightful commentary.

Performances That Elevate the Film

Hunter and Brandy Excel in Vital Roles

Reflections of Belinda, Solange, and Norman in The Front Room — Image via A24

Despite its narrative and script issues, The Front Room is anchored by strong performances. Kathryn Hunter emerges as the standout, infusing her role as Solange with depth and an unsettling energy that sustains viewer engagement. Her ability to blend child-like quirks with genuine emotional turmoil captivates the audience from the outset, showcasing her exceptional background in physical theater.

Brandy’s portrayal of Belinda leaves a mixed impression. While her performance marks a high point in her career, particularly within the horror genre, certain moments suggest a hesitance to open up fully. Despite this, her character’s journey is compelling, affirming that the combined efforts of Hunter and Brandy keep The Front Room from being a complete misstep. The interplay between their performances elevates the film, offering glimpses of potential amidst its flaws.

The Front Room is now available for streaming on Max.

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