Separation : Let’s be clear from the start: “Separation” falls short of being a good movie. It disappoints across the board, with one notable exception—the striking and frightening character design. Director William Brent Bell relies heavily on typical shock horror tactics, employing loud noises and scary visuals, but he fails to craft a memorable film. Bell shares the blame with the writers and actors, who deliver lackluster performances. The story lacks depth and fails to create a strong connection with the protagonists. Even when moments of suspense arise, the acting undermines the pacing and interest. While “Separation” offers fleeting moments of genuine terror, they come and go without leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Release Date 30 April 2021 Language English Genre Horror, Thriller Duration 1h 47min Cast Rupert Friend, Madeline Brewer, Mamie Gummer, Brian Cox, Violet McGraw, Simon Quarterman Director William Brent Bell Writer Nick Amadeus, Josh Braun Cinematography Karl Walter Lindenlaub Music Brett Detar Producer Jordan Beckerman, William Brent Bell, Jesse Korman, Jordan Yale Levine, Clay Pecorin, Russ Posternak Production Yale Productions, RainMaker Films, The Machine Room Post Film Certificate 16+
Jeff (Rupert Friend), a struggling comic book artist, faces a series of challenges. Unable to find work and facing divorce from his wife Maggie (Mamie Gummer), Jeff’s life is in turmoil. As Jeff’s world unravels, his daughter Jenny (Violet McGraw) grapples with the impending separation of her family. Amidst this turmoil, an unexplained evil is unleashed, adding to their struggles.
Despite its shortcomings, the characters from Jeff’s comic book, “Grisly Kin,” deserve mention for their impact on the film. These menacing figures could have been the driving force of “Separation,” as evidenced by the visually striking opening credits. However, they are woefully underused, failing to evoke the intended fear or tension.
Instead, Bell focuses on Jeff and Jenny, a choice that could have been intriguing with better performances. Friend’s portrayal of Jeff lacks depth, detracting from the story’s tension. Without competent acting from Cox and McGraw, “Separation” would be even more lacking. Ultimately, the film fails to deliver genuine scares, despite attempts to build tension. While the eerie character design may briefly unsettle viewers, it falls short of creating a truly chilling atmosphere.
In summary, “Separation” disappoints on multiple levels, from direction to storytelling. It’s a forgettable film that lacks a cohesive vision from its creative team, leaving its promising characters as mere afterthoughts in the realm of cinema.
