Boogeyman (2023)

High school student Sadie Harper and her younger sister, Sawyer, grapple with the recent demise of their mother. In the midst of their grief, their father, Will Harper, a therapist, is consumed by his own sorrow and neglects his daughters. The situation takes a dark turn when a distressed patient pays an unexpected visit to their residence, leaving behind a menacing supernatural entity. This entity, which relishes the torment of its victims, particularly targets families. As the sinister presence begins to torment the Harper household, the sisters face an uphill battle convincing their grieving father of the imminent danger.

Length: 1h 38m
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
This Title is: A suspenseful thriller that explores family dynamics amidst supernatural terror.

Boogeyman IS STREAMING TODAY ON Disney+

Trailer

Cast

• Sophie Thatcher as Sadie Harper
• Chris Messina as Will Harper
• Vivien Lyra Blair as Sawyer Harper
• David Dastmalchian as Lester Billings

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: PG-13 for terror, violent content, teen drug use, and some strong language

Parents should be cautioned as the film contains scenes of terror and violence, alongside depictions of drug use among teenagers and strong language.

Trivia

• “Boogeyman” is adapted from Stephen King’s short story, originally published in a March 1973 issue of Cavalier magazine and later included in the “Night Shift” anthology.
• Initially set for a direct-to-streaming release on Hulu, positive feedback from test screenings led to a theatrical debut by 20th Century Studios.
• A Youtube video in the movie, showcasing methods to communicate with the departed, is a nod to director Rob Savage’s earlier film, “Host (2020)”. It uses the same venue and actress (Seylan Baxter).
• This is not the first time “The Boogeyman” has been adapted. A 28-minute short film interpretation was released in 1982.
• Certain sequences in the movie were so intense that post-test screening revisions were made. The audience’s reactions drowned out critical dialogues, prompting editing adjustments to incorporate pauses for clarity.

Our Review

“Boogeyman” masterfully marries an emotional narrative of family loss with intense supernatural horror. The acting performances, especially from the young cast members, are genuine and compelling. Director Rob Savage adeptly balances the story’s emotional depth with bone-chilling horror sequences, ensuring the audience remains gripped throughout. The film’s pacing is on point, with the tension steadily escalating, culminating in a riveting climax. The nods to Stephen King’s original material will surely delight fans of the renowned author. For those seeking a gripping horror thriller with a touching emotional undertone, “Boogeyman” is a must-watch.

Critic Scores

Critic Scores aggregate ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. (Click on any score for a detailed review.)