What truly lets the film down is the screenplay by Sebastian Gutierrez. Yes, it reveals all that needs be revealed, but the manner in which it is laid out is a little too specific. The story does not reveal itself through dialogue and action, it is revealed through dialogue. The dialogue is bad, and the performances, while not great, are set loose to drift through the plot while the actors speak dialogue without conviction. A good example of this would be the opening voiceover delivered by Jessica Alba; it is not delivered all that well, but the bigger problem is that it is so matter of fact and completely without subtlety.
Besides the way the script lays everything on the table, there is an element of the plot that is easy to accept as you sit in the theater watching it play out, but upon post-viewing reflection, it begins to fall apart. I cannot say too much, but it involves both the central concept of cellular memory and what she sees. If you think about that concept, which is discussed, albeit briefly, in the film and how it relates specifically to what she sees, you'll see the two don't exactly jibe. If you see the film, think about what the concept states and try to reconcile that with what the rest of what the film shows you.
Bottom line. No, the concept does not hold up to close scrutiny. However, the film succeeds at creating a strong atmosphere and really sinks you into the increasingly disturbing events. Easily a step up from One Missed Call, but does not reach the levels of The Ring or The Grudge. I have to come down and say that I enjoyed the film, faults and all.
Mildly Recommended.
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Article comments
1 - GG man
This movie was a waste of my time. Not only was it somewhat of a chick flick horror, it was horribly made and forcibly wanted to put fear in you. HORRIBLE.