94 minutes, Comedy/Horror, M
M. Night Shyamalan
A name you know thanks to 1999’s ripping, gripping thriller THE SIXTH SENSE.
M. Night Shyamalan
Not a name you know for bringing comedy!
In fact, you gotta go right back before THE SIXTH SENSE to 1998’s WIDE AWAKE, which starred Rosie O’Donnell to find the Shyamalan name anywhere near a comedy as Writer & Director!
Well then, welcome to THE VISIT, an original comedy with the propensity to scare.
Bec and Tyler (Australia’s Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould) are excited to meet their Nan and Pop for the first time. It isn’t before long though that they soon realise why they’re not allowed outside of their bedroom after 9 30pm!
The greatest struggle THE VISIT will face is finding the right audience. Hopefully I can help with that, for this comedy/horror is the best Shyamalan film we’ve had for years. Maybe even since THE SIXTH SENSE. Everything achieved here, whether it be laughter or suspenseful moments, is very intentional. Much of this very entertaining films comedic tunes stem from the rather awkward, highly bizarre situations Bec & Tyler find themselves in, their interactions with Nana & Pop, and from Tyler himself. The suspenseful side of proceedings unfold gradually and continue to build with each strange sequence we witness with the kids’ throughout. THE VISIT may never become as sinister as horror aficionados will be hoping. Shyamalan even finds inventive ways to incorporate a comedic angle to most his more intense scenes, yet everyone ought to be impressed by an upcoming and unforeseen twist, which is a beauty!
Lastly, well worthy of a mention are its four key cast members. Of a theatrical background in acting come Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie as Nana and Pop are they’re terrific, applying just the right amounts of creepy and normality when called for. Ed Oxenbould (He was Alexander from ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY, PAPER PLANES and TV Series “Puberty Blues”) and Olivia DeJonge excel as Bec and Tyler. Being scared ain’t easy to do. These kids do scared, confused and show a real trust in the vision M. Night Shyamalan successfully transitions to screen.
♥ ♥ ♥ ½
Footnote to Parents
Not for those easily frightened or too young either. Consider it for ages above 13 and bear in mind some disturbing and violent thematic material, some language, nudity and terror.
Moviedoc wishes to thank Universal Pictures and The Astor Theatre for the invitation to the media screening of THE VISIT
Review by Moviedoc
“LIKE” on Facebook – Moviedoc
Email – Moviedoc@Outlook.com
©
Moviedoc 
Leave a comment