The Crescent

Beautifully shot film. It brought a lot of 70s and 80s Italian horror vibes with the visuals and scoring. There was an odd plot issue, where there's essentially not much of anything, even after exposition towards the end; it's another piece that brings calls back to Argento and Fulci, where the visuals, music and sound, and atmosphere is the true experience. The acting was fairly bland across the board, but Beth, Lowen, and Sam do have good moments. Everyone else in the film just seem wooden. I'd warn people against it if they aren't into art house or avant-garde cinema, but would really encourage others to check it out.

As a mum of two kids, these types of movies for me personally, I don't like. Any comparisons to Skinamarink, sure this has a couple of things in common. I left a not great review of that movie because any time I see movies that seem to exploit children by putting them in messed up situations, I don't consider entertainment but disturbing. No shade against disturbing movies but I'm just more sensitive. So sue me. No apologies. But this one, I hung in there. Not for the average fan of mainstream films for sure. I can always appreciate artistic vision. I appreciated the score, sound design and of course the little baby in the lead. That's as much as I can give this.

This movie should not be on Shudder !

There are a lot of clues hidden in the story. This is not a bad movie if you are able to pay attention to the finest of details. The people on the beach provide many clues. The little girl picking up the trash has much to offer and don't miss a single flashback scene or you might be forever confused. There are many other clues to watch for and listen for. Pay attention to everything ranging from the paintings to what is actually said plus a few background clues and you will get the whole story. The story is sad in some parts but the payoff at the end was worth the wait. This horror movie is only scary if you can relate to the ending. I can say that I can relate to the ending and I was half way into the movie when I realized what had happened. This was very well put together and will make you think hard about life, death, the past and the future. Lol take notes if you have to so you don't lose track of the clues because theer are many more clues than the ones I mentioned here which should help anyone who hasn't been in the shoes of this family figure out what's going on. The deep thinkers and those who are able to pay close attention to the details will not be disappointed.

Being artsy and experimental is okay. Being esoteric is okay too, good in fact. I don't need to know about the backstory of "the family that used to live here died 20 years ago, oooohhhh!!" And if you're looking for a story that is a module of personal experience and realistic anxieties/trauma as a metaphor, go for it (not my cup of tea anymore.) But at least have something happen in your horror movie. The only good moments of tense horror were (very. VERY) few and far in between.