NEW YORK (OSV News) — Oh, those creepy Christians! Such is the underlying sentiment discernible through most of the running time of the psychological horror film “The Front Room” (A24).
A late plot development — not to be detailed for fear of a spoiler — completely derails this already problematic chillfest, however, as the script moves from implicitly disdaining an off-kilter version of scriptural faith to justifying a grave crime. In light of that climactic stance, the movie is unsuitable for all.
Pseudo-sophisticated anthropology professor Belinda (Brandy Norwood) peddles a feminist version of Dan Brown-style hooey about comparative religion in the college classroom while coping with emotional trauma behind the scenes. As we eventually learn, pregnant Belinda and her husband, public defender Norman (Andrew Burnap), had a son who died in infancy.
Already-beleaguered Belinda finds her woes multiplied once Norman’s recently widowed stepmother, Solange (Kathryn Hunter), moves in with the couple, occupying the chamber of the title — which was originally intended to be the family nursery. Solange is a devious religious fanatic who believes she is being guided by the Holy Spirit.
As this mother-in-law from hell increasingly blights Belinda’s life, viewers are invited both to revel in Solange’s malicious antics and to sympathize with her victim. Among other things, Solange capitalizes on her supposed incontinence to create disgusting situations for Norman and Belinda — and nasty visuals for the audience.
Repeatedly wallowing in her own filth, Solange declares, in her Southern drawl, “I’m a m-e-s-s, mess.” As adapted from Susan Hill’s short story by screenwriters and debuting directors Max and Sam Eggers, the same can be said for “The Front Room” itself.
The film contains skewed values, shadowy marital lovemaking, gross scatological images, about a half-dozen instances each of profanity and milder swearing, much rough language and occasional crude talk. The OSV News classification is O — morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
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