Not a big fan of satanic horror films, the movie Son is one of the gutsiest films I’ve had to watch in a long time. The production with very realistic special effects and make-up, takes you into a world of devil worship and heinous killings. The film’s not for those who get queasy watching bloody scenes of debauchery and cannibalistic attacks, as Son delivers powerful gut punches. It’s a grisly Satanic Horror Show. The performances by Andi Matichak and Luke David Blumm are at the top of the horror meter for in this genre as they deliver characters they go above and beyond the call of duty.
Experiencing a horrendous birth delivery, 18 year old Laura survives with a newborn son. Eight years later, after putting her son David (Luke David Blumm) to bed one night, Laura (Andi Matichak) hears someone walking in the hallway of her home. When she investigates she sees a group of people in David’s room. Screaming she grabs David and runs over to her neighbors where they call the police. When they arrive, Laura talks to Detectives Paul (Emile Hirsch) and Steve (Cranston Johnson) who calm her down before they leave.
The next night David starts to have seizures spewing blood and she rushes him to the hospital with the help of Detective Paul. Director and writer Ivan Kavanagh works his audience with scenes of David’s continued life threatening convulsions, Laura’s dreams of her past and an incident that puts Laura and David on the run. I do like the way Kavanagh keeps his audience on edge as the two run for their lives dealing with a lot of death and violence as they try to get to a secure place.
The acting by Andi Matichak and Luke David Blumm is very good. Only a youngster yet already showing his abilities are equal to most seasoned actors, Luke gives a stunning portrayal as the disturbed 8-year-old who has become possessed. His ability to create this frightened evil child and make him believable makes the film work. If he gets noticed by other directors, you’ll see Blumm again on the big screen in a co-starring role.
Giving a strong performance as the woman who faces off against evil, Andi Matichak commands the screen. A devoted mother, as Laura she has to turn herself into a woman fraught with anger that fights for her child’s life. In her path she must avoid danger with enough street smarts to fend off her demonic adversaries. It’s a good role for her and she nails it.
BONUS FEATURES:
“Interviews with the Cast and Crew of Son”
“Deleted scenes”
Son has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains language, nudity, gruesome images, and grisly violence. The production, including acting and direction is very good and worth the watch. The blu-ray or DVD can be purchased wherever they are sold. My star rating for those who like a lot of blood and guts is 4 out of 5 Stars.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Andi Matichak, Emile Hirsch, Luke David Blumm
Directed and written by: Ivan Kavanagh
Genre: Horror, Thriller
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, language, nudity, gruesome images, violence
Running Time: 1 hr. 38 min
Video Release Date: May 18, 2021
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Distributed by: RLJE Films
Released on: DVD, Blu-ray
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
