The Boogeyman

Rob Savage's "The Boogeyman" is a solid studio horror debut that successfully translates Stephen King's chilling short story to the screen. The film centres on the Harper family – teenage Sadie, her younger sister Sawyer, and their grieving father Will – who are tormented by a malevolent entity after a disturbed patient inadvertently brings it into their home. The premise, while drawing on familiar horror tropes, is executed with a commendable sense of dread and atmosphere.

The narrative effectively explores themes of grief and trauma, using them as fertile ground for the supernatural terror to take root. While the plot occasionally treads familiar ground, it remains engaging thanks to a well-paced structure and a few inventive scares. The screenplay, penned by Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, and Mark Heyman, manages to balance the supernatural elements with the family's emotional struggles, though some of the dialogue can feel a touch conventional.

The direction by Savage is a definite highlight, showcasing his ability to build suspense and deliver effective jump scares, even within the constraints of a PG-13 rating. He crafts genuinely eerie sequences that utilise lighting and shadow to great effect, creating an ominous atmosphere that permeates the film. The performances are a standout, particularly from Sophie Thatcher as the resilient Sadie and Vivien Lyra Blair as the vulnerable Sawyer.

Chris Messina provides a solid turn as the grieving father, and the chemistry between the sisters is palpable, forming the emotional core of the story. The production design and editing contribute to the film's unsettling mood, with a crispness that complements the scares. The sound design and score effectively heighten the tension, ensuring that the creature's presence is felt even when unseen.

Overall, "The Boogeyman" is a satisfying horror experience that, while not groundbreaking, offers plenty of frights and a strong emotional throughline.