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Malignant
2021 111 min United States of America R 18+
★6.4
Horror, Mystery
Director: James Wan
Trailers
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Description
Madison is paralyzed by shocking visions of grisly murders, and her torment worsens as she discovers that these waking dreams are in fact terrifying realities with a mysterious tie to her past.
Budget:
$40M
US Gross:
$13.39M
Worldwide:
$34.89M
Starring
Annabelle Wallis
Actor
Maddie Hasson
Actor
George Young
Actor
Awards
4 wins & 18 nominations total
Key opinion
Malignant is a polarizing genre experiment that divides audiences between those who appreciate its audacious, campy shift in tone and those who find the writing clichéd and illogical. While critics are split on the screenplay and dialogue, there is a general consensus that James Wan’s technical direction and the film's shocking, inventive final act provide a unique experience that sets it apart from conventional horror.
| Cinematography | The film features visually inventive and highly stylized cinematography that effectively enhances the horror atmosphere. | |
| Ending | The third-act twist and subsequent action sequences are highly creative, providing a memorable and refreshing departure from standard horror tropes. | |
| Acting | Annabelle Wallis provides a strong, anchoring lead performance that manages to elevate the material despite the uneven script. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is widely criticized for its reliance on clichéd dialogue, forced exposition, and poorly developed supporting characters. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the pacing are split, with some finding the initial hour slow and repetitive while others appreciate the deliberate build-up to the climax. | |
| Originality | The film's tonal fusion of slasher, supernatural horror, and self-referential comedy creates a divisive experience where some see intentional audacity and others see awkward inconsistency. |