Release date: October 8, 2021
Running time: 80 minutes
Written and Directed by: Axelle Carolyn
Starring: Barbara Hershey, Bruce Davison, Nicholas Alexander, Jill Larsen, Fran Bennett and Katie Amanda Keane
A malevolent force preys upon the residents of a sleepy nursing home in The Manor, a gothic tale of terror with a modern twist. When a mild stroke diminishes her ability to care for herself, Judith Albright (Barbara Hershey) moves to Golden Sun Manor, an assisted living facility with a sterling reputation. But despite the best efforts of the staff, and a budding friendship with fellow senior Roland (Bruce Davison), strange occurrences and nightmarish visions convince Judith that a sinister presence is haunting the massive estate. As residents begin to die mysteriously, Judith’s frantic warnings are dismissed as fantasy. Even her devoted grandson Josh (Nicholas Alexander) thinks her fears are the result of dementia, not demons. With no one willing to believe her, Judith must either escape the confines of the manor, or fall victim to the evil that dwells within it.
The Manor starts off with some nice imagery as the house itself is foreboding and imposing looking, with an oppressive feel right from the start. It also begins with a lot of mystery as you try and figure out what is going on in this retirement community. There is clearly something amiss but you don't quite get a handle on it until later. Unfortunately, when you do get a handle on it, it is just not that interesting. The film has a decent build up but the payoff is not worth it. And the journey to get there also has plenty that could have been better.
The Manor just is not that engaging of a film. The story itself is ok, but the writing and dialogue just didn't keep my interest. There are jokes and humor in this film but none of it really was that entertaining or funny. And the delivery is scattered which contributes to the feeling that this is just not that good of a film. The build up is slow, but also doesn't quite have the impact to keep your interest or the natural dialogue to make me want to see where it goes. And there isn't much excitement in this film, which makes this feel like a very slow movie. The Manor has an interesting kernel underneath, but it just doesn't do enough to grow and keep the audience engaged.
The Manor's unsettling start and good setting are let down by its slow pace and dialogue that doesn't keep the viewer entertained or engaged.
Pass on it.
If you liked this review and want to see more from Watch or Pass, please consider
