Marrowbone – United States/Spain – 2017 – Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Horror
Directed by: Sergio G. Sánchez
Written by: Sergio G. Sánchez
Main Players: George MacKay; Anya Taylor-Joy; Mia Goth; Charlie Heaton; Matthew Stagg; Nicola Harrison; Kyle Soller
Opening on a miniature house and artbook, Jack’s (MacKay) English accented voice narrates that after coming very far and enduring many hardships, they have finally found a place to be safe and together, at the end of the ocean. The year is 1969 and this place is his mother’s (Harrison) American house, waiting for the family, frozen in time for 30 years. The mother, and her kids Jack, Jane (Goth), Billy (Heaton) and Sam (Stagg) enter hesitantly, but are happy for space.
The mother renames the family Marrowbone, as it was her maiden name. The says they have a new story which begins now, and no one will ever bother them again. They just wanted a chance at happiness, leaving darkness behind. They hoped their mother’s illness would lessen, as their comfort grew.
Then, in the summer days, a new friend is made, Allie (Taylor-Joy). She is a mysterious girl which bonds instantly with the siblings in the summer afternoon, as they are close to her age. Allie takes a picture of the family, finally free in their new life. They enjoy a wonderful summer.
However, their mother’s illness did not recede, and she is on her deathbed shortly after the sunny months have waned. She warns Jack to have a safe place ready, just in case “he” finds them. She pens the kids a letter, and passes.
The kids vow nothing will ever separate them, and they will always be one. Then… one day… a bullet strikes the window. A man is there, attacking. Jane metaphorically craps her pants, appropriately so, before running off screaming to warn her brother. Enter danger, uncertainty, and possibly the supernatural. This family will do what it takes to stay together.
Marrowbone is a decent by the numbers tension-infused drama with some creepy and psychological horror elements. There is also a tad of romance and historical drama, making it an interesting concoction. It has a strong quality of atmosphere and performance, with a great group of actors. While it is moody and well-shot, the story itself only goes so far, and brings in elements of many other films by the end. It is also a tad slow, but overall, it should be mostly enjoyable for genre fans. Bonus points as well for the raccoon.
See This If You Liked:
The Others; The Orphanage (El Orfanato); Oculus; Hereditary; The Sixth Sense; The Woman in Black (1989; 2012); The Lodge; The Woman in the Yard; The Babadook; The Skeleton Key; Mama; The Abandoned (2006); The Conjuring; What Lies Beneath
Score:
6.5