Phoenix Review A Horror Movie That Niftily Sidesteps Genre Cliches

Malayalam movie "Phoenix" directed by Vishnu Bharathan , starring Aju Varghese, Anoop Menon, Nilja K. Baby, Abhirami Bose, Bhagat Manuel, Chandunad.

Where can you see the Phoenix in the UAE?

Garudaan is now playing in theaters near you. You can book tickets at Vox Cinemas or Novo Cinemas.

As a cinematic spectacle within a horror film, The Lonely Haunted House quickly evokes laugh-out-loud déjà vu. The thing is, what could be new about it? A couple or family unknowingly walks into a haunted house. Bloodthirsty and vengeful, bent on wreaking havoc. The family often has to escape from his omnipresence in the film's climax.

Right off the bat, it's a win for Phoenix, which walks this tightrope but avoids genre clichés. Debutant director Vishnu Bharathan shows that he can come up with a novel on this old and well-trodden path. A slight change in the ghost's basic techniques is enough to see the phoenix. The screenplay by Midhun Manuel Thomas plays a big role in keeping the film on par.

The film is also set in two eras - the 70s and the 90s - and is divided into a love story and a horror story. It's not completely new, but the director does a great job. Both parts serve as the film's relative success and failure — because it lacks critical taste.

But we are moving forward. The film begins normally. The episode is set in the 1990s, when down-on-his-luck attorney John Williams (Aju Varghese) escapes professional disgrace and moves into a lonely house near the beach. He and his wife Daisy (Nilja K. Baby) share an emotionally distant relationship. Having three children is even worse. The family moves through the quiet house - inevitably - trapped inside.

However, an internal letter signed by Freddie arrives several times a day. At first it is perceived as entertainment. But the family is shocked when he is normalized by ruthless stubbornness. Williams is now nervously excited about Freddie. He and his friend Amir (Bhagat Manuel) embark on a mission to find the elusive Freddy.

And it opens new doors. A new timeline, in general. As the scene shifts to the 1970s, the health of the population is deteriorating. And here we know who Freddie (Chandhunad) and Anna Rose (Avirami Bose) are. They love, but it is not surprising that their love does not bear fruit. why? It is because of death. like this

And this is where the scenario takes a new turn. The cause of death is not common. The spirit that haunts the house does not want blood at all, as vampires and ghosts usually do. Not a vindictive mood. It is a devoted soul that wants to be reunited with its partner.

The scary part works, though it's not exactly spine-tingling. But the romance department is ace. Aju Varghese, who has acted mostly in comic roles so far, has a strong and serious nature and does her job clearly. Chandunad and Abhirami Bose inspire more than just their acting. The rest of the cast is also significant. As the priest, Anup Menon delivers a brilliant performance that eschews his usual cuteness.

Sam C's music, a bit loud at times, understands the territory and plays accordingly. Albee's cinematography gives the film the right feel and tension.

All in all, this phoenix shines brightly.

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