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The Empty Man
2020 137 min South Africa, United States of America R 18+
★6.3
Horror, Mystery
Director: David Prior
📖 Based on the novel
«The Empty Man»
byCullen Bunn
Trailers
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Description
On the trail of a missing girl, an ex-cop comes across a secretive group attempting to summon a terrifying supernatural entity.
Budget:
$16M
US Gross:
$2.99M
Worldwide:
$4.8M
Starring
James Badge Dale
Actor
Marin Ireland
Actor
Sasha Frolova
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
The Empty Man is a divisive, ambitious genre-bender that transitions from an urban legend horror into a dense, philosophical mystery. While many viewers appreciate its atmosphere, technical craft, and refusal to rely on standard jump scares, others find the narrative structure aimless, overly long, and lacking in emotional or logical cohesion.
| Cinematography | The film utilizes sophisticated cinematography and evocative sound design to craft a suffocating, oppressive atmosphere that stands out in the genre. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative structure shifts through multiple genres—from detective noir to cosmic dread—which frustrates viewers seeking a traditional, straightforward horror experience. | |
| Runtime | The two-hour-plus runtime is seen by some as a rewarding, contemplative deep dive, while others view it as a padded, incoherent slog that lacks necessary focus. | |
| Theme | The film’s reliance on opaque philosophical themes and high-concept mythology creates a barrier to entry that leaves some viewers feeling lost rather than intellectually stimulated. | |
| Ending | The ending creates a sharp divide: some appreciate the bold, ambiguous cosmic resolution, while others condemn it as an abrupt, purposeless conclusion that fails to address the mysteries established earlier. |