‘Some fates are worse than death’
Absentia is a 2011 American supernatural horror film written and directed by Mike Flanagan (Gerald’s Game; Ouija: Origin of Evil; Hush; Before I Wake; Oculus). It stars Katie Parker, Courtney Bell, and David Levine.
Opening plot:
Tricia’s husband Daniel has been missing for seven years. Her younger sister Callie comes to live with her as the pressure mounts to finally declare him ‘dead in absentia’.
As Tricia sifts through the wreckage and tries to move on with her life, Callie finds herself drawn to an ominous tunnel near the house that might also be connected to other neighbourhood disappearances.
Soon it becomes clear that the ancient force at work in the tunnel might have set its sights on Callie and Tricia and that Daniel might be suffering a fate far worse than death in its grasp…
Our review:
Central to the film’s success are the cast – naturalistic, convincing and far removed from the one-dimensional pretty people normally found in genre movies, the characters and their relationships seem entirely genuine.
Worth mentioning too is the soundtrack – a low key, creepy, unsettling score that hints are horror without hammering the point home. Absentia is that rare thing – a restrained, realistic horror film dealing with supernatural fears. Leaving more questions than it answers, it’s a real gem.
David Flint, MOVIES & MANIA
Other reviews:
“This film does it right; it takes its time to set up an interesting scenario and to build realistic, believable characters. Then it slowly introduces the supernatural elements creating psychologically tense moments that will make your heart race. It is well paced, well directed and well acted – a solid piece of film making inhibited only by its limited budget.” Horror News
“Atmospheric, captivating, terrifying and full of suspense, it’s one of the most original stories to play out on the small screen that I’ve had the privilege of viewing this year.” Planet of Terror
“Flanagan deftly takes Absentia from a typical ghost story into true psychological thriller territory while using mythology to conjure an explanation that is both supernatural and eerily realistic.” Strange Kids Club
“Absentia is a perfect example of how with the right guidance, you don’t need a massive budget, or lashings of gore to create an effective and scary horror film. This is great horror filmmaking and I look forward to seeing what the people behind this film do next on a stronger budget.” To Watch Pile
