Film Review: BOOGEYMAN (2023)

Genre: HORROR

Cert: 15 cert

Director: Rob Savage

Screenwriter: (screenplay by)  Bryan Woods, Mark Heyman, Scott Beck, (screen story by) Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, (based upon the short story by) Stephen King

Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina, Vivien Lyra Blair, David Dastmalchian, Marin Ireland, Madison Hu, Maddie Nichols, Leeann Ross, Shauna Rappold, LisaGay Hamilton, Cristala Carter, Shayla Bagir, Han Soto, Seylan Baxter, Aadyn Encalarde, Ellie Bogert, Maisie Bogert, Noah Brand.

Running time: 1h 38m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: No Nudity is in this film.

Violence & Gore: There are some moments that are extremely violent throughout the whole film

Profanity: Around 3 sh*ts, 2 b*tch and at the end Sadie says "f*ck you" to the boogeyman.

Alcohol/drugs: Cannabis/weed use shown once

Frightening/Intense Scenes: There are a lot of unnerving scenes, especially at the start of the Film, the prey heavy on the concept of a monster hiding in your room waiting for you to turn the light off. Extremely frightening, not to be watched in front of your kid

 Story: Still reeling from the tragic death of their mother, a teenage girl and her younger sister find themselves plagued by a sadistic presence in their house and struggle to get their grieving father to pay attention before it's too late.


Review: The 2023 Boogeyman horror film is a chilling rollercoaster, blending suspense and supernatural elements masterfully. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, creating an eerie atmosphere that lingers even after the credits roll.

The film's strength lies in its innovative approach to the boogeyman mythos, introducing fresh scares while paying homage to classic horror tropes. The cast delivers standout performances, with the protagonist's descent into fear palpably portrayed. However, the plot occasionally falters, relying on predictable jumpscares. Some character decisions feel contrived, hindering the narrative's credibility. Despite these drawbacks, the film successfully revitalizes the boogeyman subgenre, offering a memorable and spine-tingling cinematic experience.

Boogeyman" (2023) is a nuanced exploration of the horror genre, presenting a fresh perspective on the classic boogeyman mythos. The film triumphs in creating an unsettling atmosphere through masterful cinematography. Dark, shadow-laden scenes and clever lighting enhance the eerie ambience, providing a chilling backdrop for the supernatural narrative. One of the film's standout features is its innovative approach to the boogeyman concept. Instead of relying on tired tropes, the narrative takes unexpected turns, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. This originality breathes new life into a familiar subgenre, offering a welcome departure from formulaic horror storytelling.

The performances of the cast elevate the film, with the protagonists delivering convincing portrayals of escalating fear. The emotional depth brought to their characters enhances the viewer's connection, intensifying the impact of the unfolding horror. The supporting cast also contributes to the film's overall believability. The sound design in "Boogeyman" is another commendable aspect. A carefully crafted soundtrack and well-timed sound effects heighten the tension, adding layers of fright to the viewing experience. The film adeptly uses audio cues to elicit fear, creating an immersive soundscape that lingers long after the credits roll.

However, the film is not without its flaws. While the atmosphere is expertly crafted, the reliance on predictable jump scares occasionally detracts from the overall effectiveness. The narrative, while innovative, may falter in pacing, with moments of tension unevenly distributed, potentially leading to viewer fatigue. Character decisions, a common pitfall in horror, may at times feel forced or inconsistent, impacting the film's credibility. Additionally, the temptation to fall back on genre clichés is present, and while some familiarity is expected, an overreliance on tropes risks making the film feel derivative.

Overall: In conclusion, "Boogeyman" (2023) successfully reimagines the Boogeyman narrative, capitalizing on atmospheric cinematography, innovative storytelling, and strong performances. Despite minor missteps with jump scares, pacing, and potential clichés, the film offers a captivating and spine-tingling experience for horror enthusiasts, reaffirming the enduring appeal of the boogeyman in cinematic nightmares.

Rating: 5 out of 5 for entertainment / 8 out of 10 for Creep atmospheric frightening tone.