Come Play
Reviews
Manuel São Bento
If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com 2020 is undoubtedly one of the worst years ever for movies, not even in terms of quality, but the infinite delays of highly anticipated films automatically make this year more underwhelming than what it would ever be. Nevertheless, it still delivered a few surprises along the way. Movies that I wasn't really expecting to like as much as I did (Underwater, The Call of the Wild), or even films that I knew I'd enjoy them but eventually end up absolutely loving them (The One and Only Ivan, Palm Springs, The Personal History of David Copperfield). Jacob Chase's feature directorial debut is amongst the former group. I only knew the premise and the cast, which I have to admit didn't really convince me, but I still gave it a go since this could be my last trip to a film theater this year… If it ends up truly being my last time watching a movie on the big screen this year, then it's a wonderful final film. Come Play is one of the biggest surprises of 2020. There are so many aspects that I absolutely love about it, but it doesn't escape from several issues as well. I'll start with the impressive performance of Azhy Robertson (Oliver) as a non-verbal autistic kid. As someone who has shared some time with a young autistic girl, I left the theater fully believing that Azhy was, in fact, autistic in real-life (I didn't recognize him from Marriage Story). I was mind-blown when I found out he wasn't. His display feels so realistic and authentic that I never thought his portrayal was pure acting. John Gallagher Jr. (Marty) is really good as well, but he doesn't have as much screentime as Gillian Jacobs (Sarah). The latter isn't exactly awful, but she definitely disappoints in the more sentimental moments. She's great during the horror sequences, adding to the suspenseful atmosphere, but when the time comes to really deliver heartfelt dialogues and passionate expressions, Gillian fails to offer a convincing performance. The other kids in the movie are also quite cringe-worthy, but not every young actor can be incredible at such a young age. Despite the cast's irregular interpretations, none ruins the captivating story behind Larry, the "misunderstood monster" on the other side of the screen. The social commentary is loud and clear, giving the film a whole other layer. Jacob Chase's commitment and dedication to this work (based on his own short) are palpable throughout the runtime, visible through the numerous tiny details spread across each storyline. I found myself astonishingly invested in the narrative. However, Chase often repeats scenes meant to pass that social message he so desperately wants to transmit, transforming many scenes that could be genuine into something extremely forced. This last aspect is compensated with innovative horror sequences with highly creative use of today's technology to generate an incredibly tense environment. There aren't many jumpscares, but most are pretty effective. Nevertheless, it's the suspenseful atmosphere throughout the entire movie that elevates the overall horror vibe. Chase also employs long takes, which ultimately leaves viewers at the edge of their seats due to some excellent camera work (Maxime Alexandre) and seamless editing (Gregory Plotkin). I really like the score (Roque Baños), but there are a couple of moments where the almost silent music weirdly becomes an adventure tune. Another brilliant technical decision comes from Chase's work with the VFX team. As expected from a low-budget production, the visual effects would never reach today's standards if they decided to show the monster in plain sight during daylight. If you go into the film expecting a monster movie where the latter is the protagonist, forget it. The crew was intelligent and humble enough to acknowledge the not-that-good VFX quality, so Chase "hides" the monster with low lighting and "shows" him during night sequences and/or through a smartphone/tablet's camera. It might be a disappointing aspect for many people, but I was delighted with this smart decision. It's more of a family drama than a generic horror flick. There's a fair attempt at delivering something special, and I do believe it was very close to being one of the best films of the year. The treatment of the autistic character is near-perfect. I love the fact that not only the movie shows every problem that a condition like this brings, but it also demonstrates the extraordinary qualities that autistic people possess. Even though he cannot speak, Oliver is exceptionally clever, fun, and brave, something I believe most of today's society doesn't think autistic kids can be. The ending is both bold and surprising, finishing on a significant emotional moment that will leave viewers with a bittersweet reaction. In the end, Come Play is one of my favorite surprises of this year. Jacob Chase proves that he's a dedicated filmmaker who knows his craft. With exceptional preparation, Chase presents an extremely captivating narrative, distinct from the generic horror flicks that flood every year. By focusing on the emotionally compelling story instead of the formulaic jumpscares, the horror sequences have a much more significant impact due to the viewer's connection with the main characters, especially Azhy Robertson's. The latter delivers one of the best young performances of 2020, interpreting an autistic kid with remarkable authenticity. However, the rest of the cast is not up to the task, especially Gillian Jacobs, who disappoints with an overall emotionally underwhelming display. The social commentary is important and efficiently transmitted, despite Chase eventually losing his balance and exaggerating the number of scenes that ultimately become forced. Technically, the suspenseful atmosphere steals the spotlight from the few yet effective jumpscares. Ends with a surprisingly bold, emotionally bittersweet moment. As long as you don't expect a "monster flick" packed with predictable scares, I sincerely recommend it to anyone looking for a Halloween plan. Rating: B+
Repo Jack
While the movie is definitely derivative (i.e. "The Babadook" on a phone), the acting is above average, the creature effects are not bad, and there are a few cleverly done creepy scenes using the device's camera. I'm not sure why they made Oliver an autistic pre-teen, but actor Azhy Robertson makes it believable. And is it just me, or is anybody else sick and tired of "school yard bullies harassing the child lead" trope?!? In the film's climax, there is a scene that took my by surprise in a good way (I've seen it all so I give any film kudos if it can pull that off). That actually had me take another look at the movie and I liked it more.
JPV852
Some okay moments amongst some silly ones (I'll never find something come out of a phone all that scary). But the performances were earnest and admittedly I was relatively entertained. Reminded me a little of David F. Sandberg's Lights Out in some ways, which like this probably better served as a segment on Tales from the Crypt or something. **3.0/5**
Movie Recommendation
Dreamkatcher2020-06-24Gail is forced to come to terms with Josh, her new stepson, at a remote country home. After stealing an evil talisman from a mysterious neighbor, Josh has sinister dreams of his dead mother, who commands Josh to murder Gail. When Josh's dad returns, he and Gail suspect that their son has been possessed by an ancient, bloodthirsty spirit. Is it too late to save Josh's life — or their own?More...
Hunter Hunter2020-12-18A fur trapper leaves his wife and daughter behind to kill a rogue wolf in the remote wilderness, but they soon become increasingly worried when their peaceful existence is disrupted.More...
Beneath2007-08-07Christy returns to her hometown years after a car accident that disfigured her older sister. Haunted by the accident in which she was the driver, she learns that her worst nightmares have either come true ... or are about to.More...
Leprechaun's Revenge2012-03-17An evil leprechaun who has been imprisoned within the roots of a majestic old oak tree, is accidentally set loose on St. Patrick's Day. Once free, he takes out his bloody revenge on the descendants of the people who originally imprisoned him.More...
Dead Driver2019-11-25After a plague of the undead decimates human life on Earth, a former hit man (Mark Dacascos), his wife, and daughter live quietly in a survivalist compound. But when their base is attacked, a massive explosion summons a swarm of the undead. They escape and must seek out the Haven, a rumored sanctuary up north, while the father teaches his daughter to shoot, drive, and survive before time runs out.More...
Guests2019-03-07Young Katya meets a merry company of visiting guys who have a specific entertainment - to organize parties in other people's empty houses. And Katya knows the right place: an old country house on the coast, the owner of which left for a long time. The secluded house, in which the spiritualist salon was at the beginning of the last century, seems to everyone an excellent option. Alarming, even the terrible abandonment of this place does not frighten anyone ... In the midst of the party, someone whom Katya never expected to see appears: the mysterious master of the house ... The man she loved. A man in the grip of otherworldly forces.More...
On Halloween2020-10-09A journalist goes in search of the truth after a series of brutal deaths and disappearances lead back to an urban legend about a serial killing clown that has stalked the woods of Century Park for over a hundred years.More...
Hungry Wives1972-12-27Joan Mitchell is an unhappy, middle-aged suburban housewife with an uncommunicative businessman husband and a distant 19 year old daughter on the verge of moving out of the house. Frustrated at her current situation, Joan seeks solace in witchcraft after visiting a local tarot reader and leader of a secret black arts wicca set, who inspires Joan to follow her own path. After dabbling in witchcraft and believing she has become a real witch, Joan withdraws into a fantasy world and sinks deeper and deeper into her new lifestyle until the line between fantasy and reality becomes blurred.More...
Motivational Speaker2022-08-04A man who has no direction in life is mistaken for a famous motivational speaker. As he takes his place, he will try to find a reason to live.More...
7lives2011-09-18A disgruntled married man called Tom believes that there is a better life for him out there somewhere. On his way home one night he gets attacked and falls into a parallel world where he lives 6 other lives including a Rock-Star, A homeless person and the 'hoody' that attacked him. These lives help him to re-evaluate his priorities and values but in order to get home he must face some of his deepest fears and desires. Will he make it home or is the grass greener on the other side?More...
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Seascape Capers2004-01-06Are you ready for a bubble blowing good time with SpongeBob and his pals? Dive down to Bikini Bottom for these 10 underwater nuggets in which bad breath, invisible spray pranks, and a Mr. Krabs robot just touch the surface of deep-sea tomfoolery!More...
The Dooms Chapel Horror2016-07-14Kyle Cole returns home to the town of Kaler Mills. He hasn't been back in 10 years since the people of the town turned on him believing that he was responsible for his brothers death. His brother, Ryan Cole, was the beloved "fair haired boy" of Kaler Mills. Loved by all, hated by none. After his death in a tragic farm accident a video was released that made it seem that Kyle could have prevented his brothers death. Now, armed with a documentary crew, Kyle has returned to face his demons. But he forgot about one of them... This is an 80's style creature feature with a modern twist. Made with practical effects and classic stop motion monster techniques, The Dooms Chapel Horror will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end.More...
In Its Wake2023-08-08Four twenty-somethings and three businessmen are hunted by a terrible monster, while a former minister prepares to do battle with the ancient evil.More...
Surrounded2023-04-02After her stagecoach is ambushed, a woman is tasked with holding a dangerous outlaw captive and must survive the day when the bandit’s gang tries to free him.More...
Dancing Queens2021-06-03The story of Dylan Pettersson, a 23-year-old girl from a small island in the Swedish archipelago with big dancing aspirations.More...
Awoken2019-12-20Karla, a young medical student, is trying to cure her brother, Blake, from a terminal sleep illness called Fatal Familial Insomnia, where you are unable to sleep until you die. On her quest to treat him, a more sinister reason for his condition is revealed.More...
The Pack2015-08-05Man’s best friend becomes his worst nightmare when a horde of bloodthirsty wild dogs descends upon a family’s farmhouse in a fang-bearing fight for survival.More...
Body Cam2020-05-19As a police officer investigates the gruesome murder of her colleague, she discovers that a mysterious supernatural force is behind it.More...
Penance Lane2020-04-21A hardened criminal fresh out of the joint takes a job as a handyman in a dilapidated house; but the twisted horrors he finds inside are enough to send anyone running. So why does he stay? And why are so many people drawn to Penance Lane?More...
Don't Listen2020-07-24After a tragic turn of events at the new home he's fixing up, Daniel hears a ghostly plea for help, spurring him to seek out a famous paranormal expert.More...
Similar Movies
Cube
1998-07-11A group of strangers find themselves trapped in a maze-like prison. It soon becomes clear that each of them possesses the peculiar skills necessary to escape, if they don't wind up dead first.The Hole
2001-04-20Four teenagers at a British private school secretly uncover and explore the depths of a sealed underground hole created decades ago as a possible bomb shelter.Milla: The Movie
2020-10-01"THE WORST NIGHTMARE RESTS WHERE NOT EXPECTED" After being released from a mental institution, Milla is taken to her new home by her husband Gregor and their daughter Madleine. As they settle in the new house, Milla experiences a series of events, that may be supernatural or in her head. The key to this phenomenons are the holes in the wall, that keep constantly staring at her. Somehow she feels watched through the holes, that appear to breathe and replicate through the house - although Milla doesn't witness a ghost, she feels it. It tries to remind her of something long forgotten. As Milla's broken mind made her vulnerable and susceptible to whatever ghosts may haunt her house, it becomes more and more difficult, to say what is alive and what is an echo. In the end Milla finds out, that the ghosts are a manifestation of her pain, that has built the home she lives in.Scooby-Doo! WrestleMa...
2014-03-11The mystery begins when Shaggy and Scooby win tickets to "WrestleMania" and convince the crew to go with them to WWE City. But this city harbors a spooky secret - a ghastly Ghost Bear holds the town in his terrifying grip! To protect the coveted WWE Championship Title, the gang gets help from WWE Superstars like John Cena, Triple H, Sin Cara, Brodus Clay, AJ Lee, The Miz and Kane. Watch Scooby and the gang grapple with solving this case before it's too late.Bride of Frankenstein...
1935-04-20Dr. Frankenstein and his monster both turn out to be alive, not killed as previously believed. Dr. Frankenstein wants to get out of the evil experiment business, but when a mad scientist, Dr. Pretorius, kidnaps his wife, Dr. Frankenstein agrees to help him create a new creature.Sam and Doug
2023-09-11In a near-future where a virus has turned the population into rabid monsters, a desperate mother forms an unlikely friendship in order to return home and save her family.A Nightmare on Elm St...
1984-11-09Teenagers in a small town are dropping like flies, apparently in the grip of mass hysteria causing their suicides. A cop's daughter, Nancy Thompson, traces the cause to child molester Fred Krueger, who was burned alive by angry parents many years before. Krueger has now come back in the dreams of his killers' children, claiming their lives as his revenge. Nancy and her boyfriend, Glen, must devise a plan to lure the monster out of the realm of nightmares and into the real world...Cave of the Sharks
1978-06-28When Andres and his partner are hired to recover some valuables from an airplane that went down in the Bermuda Triangle, they face not only human treachery but also the mysterious powers of an underwater civilization.The Basement
2015-10-16Two brothers must come together after several years apart, in order to solve a mystery going on inside their childhood home.NAILMAN³- RETURN OF T...
2023-11-11There is no descriptionSilent Night, Deadly ...
2025-12-11When Billy witnesses his parents’ grisly murder on Christmas Eve at the hands of Santa, it ignites a lifelong mission to spread holiday fear. Every Christmas, he dons the jolly red suit and delivers a blood-soaked massacre to feed his twisted sense of justice.Morte Nera
2021-09-10Florence, 1631. The black plague rages, the streets are deserted, healthy citizens are confined. Alvise, a plague doctor, discreetly paces the city in search of infected bodies to conduct his experiments, in the hope of finding a cure. One day, during an autopsy, a strange creature springs from one of the corpses...Scarecrows
1988-09-28Five men heist the Camp Pendleton payroll and kidnap a pilot and his daughter, who are forced to fly them to Mexico. Enroute a double cross has one of the thieves parachute with the loot into an abandoned farm surrounded by strange scarecrows. The rest of the team jump after their loot and their former partner. Everything happens during the course of one very dark night.The Beast Must Die
1974-04-01Wealthy big game hunter Tom Newcliffe has tracked and killed practically every type of animal in the world. But one creature still evades him, the biggest game of all - a werewolf.Basement
2014-02-12A group of young people accidentally get locked in a parking basement, and become the victims of a malevolent supernatural force.Other Mommy
2026-05-07Eight-year-old Bela lives in a home strained by her parents' troubled marriage, only to see her life further upended by a sinister entity she calls "Other Mommy." When this malevolent presence emerges from her closet, persistently asking, "Can I go inside your heart?" Bela refuses. But soon, Other Mommy's manifestations become increasingly aggressive, threatening the safety of Bela's family.Asylum
No data for this movieFive young people in the middle of a boring summer vacation decide to visit an abandoned asylum, closed after more than eight decades of abuse and torture of patients. What begins as an innocent trip turns into a terrible struggle for survival.Beast from Haunted Ca...
1959-07-05A gold thief and his gang use a skier's lodge and meet a monster covered with cobwebs.Gargoyles
1972-11-21After receiving word about a mysterious carcass/skeleton unearthed in the Arizona desert, a father and his daughter decide to remove it from the burial grounds for further study. Once they do so, they, as well as the town, are besieged by a colony of gargoyles living in some nearby caverns.The Stone Tape
1972-12-25A research team from an electronics company move into an old Victorian house to start work on finding a new recording medium. When team member Jill Greeley witnesses a ghost, team director Peter Brock decides not only to analyse the apparition, which he believes is a psychic impression trapped in a stone wall (dubbed a "stone tape"), but to exorcise it too - with terrifying results...