I have a weird fascination when it comes to the macbre side of history. I feel like we live in a today and age now where that’s not such a big deal to admit. The age of streaming has gifted us documentaries and docu-series to satisfy that true crime itch. When we’re not in front of our screens, we have more podcasts on the subject than we’d care to admit. While understanding the lives of Jeffery Dahmer and Ted Bundy is cool and all, I’ve found my niche with the occult in true crime circles. There is something about how the brain processes something like religion that I find fascinating.
My Netflix queue has been streaming Wild, Wild Country as opposed to the latest on Ted Bundy. HBO has recently given us the fantastic docu-series, The Vow. The six part series focuses on the rise and fall of the cult, NXIVM. I believe to an extent we all believe in something. Maybe it’s not God, Satan or any other entity. Perhaps it’s a person or even just placing faith into humanity. Religion is more than just a set of rules. It is a community. Somewhere where we can feel included and taken care of. Sure, I know that there is also the negative, and even hypocritical, side of religion. Honestly, that’s another conversation for another day.
We all are driven towards something more than ourselves. What if that something more is deadly? What if it is psychologically harmful to our mental health? The Empty Man dares to answer that question. The comic book adaptation depicts the story of James (James Badge Dole), a retired cop, who investigates the disappearance of his neighbor (Sasha Frolova). In the midst of his search he stumbles upon a tall tale legend that quickly manifests into a secret society. On the surface, The Empty Man feels like he has more in common with Slender Man than The Wicker Man. Though as it keeps unfolding its’ story it becomes more of the latter rather.
That’s both the blessing and the curse of this movie. I found myself appreciating the depth that the movie explored and how everything eventually does come together. There are so many parts where this movie just drags. There is an entire, unneeded, subplot between an affair that Dole and his neighbor’s mother (Marin Ireland) had. Irleand, herself, feels useless the majority of her screen time. She is either hysterical because of the disappearance of her daughter or nostalgic for this affair. By far, one of the more wasted elements of the narrative. Like I said, originally this movie feels like a tall tale similar to that of Slender Man. The first act lays out the rules of his mythos. Even going as far as giving us a way too extended cold open exploring the origins of this character. Once we are introduced to the cult aspect of this story those rules quickly exit the door. We have now found ourselves with a number of plot holes and burning questions.
The movie, itself. is intriguing. The marriage between the boogeyman mythos and secret society aspect creates a refreshing approach to both subgenres. They never merge well together. It always feels like one extreme or the other. Once it finally finds its groove, however, the movie is executed fairly well with an ending that comes out of left field - ala Hereditary. If you’ve seen it, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t seen it, please go watch it. Dole being at the center of everything is perhaps the best thing about Empty. Dole just has a charisma and intensity about it that is delightful to watch.
Overall, The Empty Man is a bit empty upon delivery. The movie makes an attempt to marry two subgenres of horror - failing horribly until the last 20 minutes. By then it’s just a tad too late. Its approach to the genres however is rather refreshing. As is the ending that comes out of left field. James Badge Dole shines in the center stage - delivering the best performance of the movie. Earning his leading man status in the process. The movie does run on a bit too long. Adding in unnecessary subplots for a messy narrative at times. The Empty Man has good intentions but they are paved to cinematic hell.
RORSCHACH RATING:
Mental Health Moment: As the film is laying the groundwork for its’ boogeyman within the first act, there is a heavy presence of suicidal conversation. Characters engage with one another chronicling how they would end their own life. These characters are teenagers. Sequences like this are extremely hard to watch unfold as a viewer. I was a high school junior the first time I ever fanatsized about suicide. I’m not alone. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 24. The pressures of school, some home lives, college, relationships and more can feel apocalyptic. Just know that you’re not alone, please feel free to reach out and consider our resources. You have value and you have worth. There is hope. I promise that no matter how tough today looks, tomorrow is always worth reaching for.
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by) and more. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. This review was edited by Cam Smith. The Empty Man is now playing in theaters. The Empty Man is property of 20th Century Fox.
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