Everyone has heard of some kind of fairy tale, myth, or spooky story sometime in their life. We live in a world of man-made monsters and real monsters in a different type of sense. A great deal of cultures inhabits our world with that comes traditions and superstitions. These cultures believe these legends are true and real as you or I. Antlers is based on Native American myth of a well know flesh eater originated from different Native tribes. The legend is chilling enough but, watching it come to life on the big screen is enough to bring your worst fears alive. Antlers is directed by Scott Copper (Black Mass, Crazy Heart, and Hostiles) and produced by Guillermo del Toro. Originally written by Nick Antosca Antlers was based on a short story called “The Quiet Boy.”
Lucas (Jeremy T. Thomas) is a young 12-year-old boy hiding a major secret within his small Oregon town. After school, each day he collects roadkill or whatever meat he can find to feed whatever he keeps in his attic. Teacher, Julia (Kerri Russell) becomes concerned over the disturbing photos that young Lucas in drawing in class as well as obvious visible signs of abuse. Julia and the local Sheriff Paul (Jesse Plemons) who is also Julia’s brother try to find out what’s eating Lucas or where Lucas’s father is. Former Sheriff Warren and Native American tells the story of local Native folklore about a monster that lives in the forest known as taking over humans as a sort of host and eating flesh. The large beast with a head full of antlers, lengthy sharp fingers, and a fire inside its chest is accidentally unleashed and utter hell begins within the small town.
Horror films today include an insane amount of sub genres ranging from slasher to horror comedy. A film like Antlers really belongs in its own sub-genre. Even though there have been horror films made similar to Antlers, this was incomparable to others made that have to do with folklore. The story alone is worth the one hundred minutes of watch time not to mention the cast and the beauty of the set; talk about eye candy! Your sensibility will play tricks on your mind as the jump scares are unforeseen and leave your heart beating like a pounding drum. In the 21st century CGI is something that is redundantly used in most films, not always appealingly but, Antlers isn’t ONE of those modern-day horror films. Practical effects were impressive and utilized in a (surprisingly) decent percentage of the time which can be appreciated by most horror movie admirers. The CGI that was necessary for the film to progress was unrecognizable which demonstrates professional transcendence. If you’re looking for something that will scare you out of your seat and tickle your inner folk story bone, then watch Antlers. Just beware of the creature that lurks within the forest.
💀💀💀💀.5 /5 Skulls