Siblings Jackson (Ben Lloyd-Hughes) and Angela (Florence Pugh) have a lucrative ghost-busting scheme, exploiting the grief-stricken with their phony paranormal gadgets and Angela’s supposed ‘visions.’ However, when they accept a job to investigate a haunted, ancient residence, they unwittingly stumble upon its spine-chilling history. With Angela teetering on the brink of exhaustion, unsure of what’s real anymore, and buried in stress, supernatural horrors are only the tip of the iceberg in the desolate house.

Malevolent, directed by Olaf De Fleur, made its Netflix debut in early October 2018 in the UK. To its credit, the film dared to be different with its storyline, making it a tale of two halves for me. The first half boasts a solid build-up, albeit somewhat predictable, while the latter half, though not overly terrifying, exudes an eerie aura with striking visuals. In a nutshell, it’s a mixed bag, and De Fleur’s background in documentaries over the past decade is evident in the film’s segmented pacing.

The casting and acting in Malevolent are commendable. Pugh, Lloyd-Hughes, Chambers, and Bevan take the lead, with the seasoned Celia Imrie as Mrs. Green and James Cosmo as the Grandfather in supporting roles. If there’s one minor issue, it’s that Angela and Jackson’s dynamic seems more like that of a disconnected couple than siblings. Nevertheless, the young cast performs admirably, exuding good chemistry for most of their screen time. The inclusion of Imrie and Cosmo, who previously shared the screen in Highlander, was a wise choice, as their presence and experience added depth to the story.

The film’s ambiance and aesthetics contribute to its eerie feel, enhancing the overall tone. While the pacing occasionally feels uneven, it adds to the atmosphere, especially within the predominantly featured house, which almost becomes a character in itself. Malevolent employs clever technical shots and familiar angles that are a horror genre staple, immersing the audience in the experience.

Malevolent is a low-budget horror flick that holds its own. The cast delivers and the film has a decent look. I found some enjoyment in the experience, but I can’t ignore that the story falls flat at times, with a somewhat predictable ending, which isn’t ideal for a horror film. Florence Pugh’s performance stands out, and her star is clearly on the rise. While hardcore horror enthusiasts may find the plot and suspense lacking, it’s worth a watch for those seeking a different take on the genre.

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