‘He’s always closer than you think’
Bagman is a 2024 horror film about a father desperately struggling against his deepest inner childhood fear.
The movie was directed by Colm McCarthy (The Girl with All the Gifts; Ripper Street series) from a screenplay by John Hulme. It was produced by Marty Bowen, John Fischer, Wyck Godfrey and Isaac Klausner.
The Temple Hill Entertainment-Media Capital Technologies co-production stars Sam Claflin, Antonia Thomas, Sharon D Clarke, Steven Cree, William Hope, Adelle Leonce, Peter McDonald, Henry Pettigrew, Caréll Rhoden and Will Davis.
Plot:
A family finds themselves ensnared in a nightmare as they are hunted by a malevolent, mythical creature. For centuries and across cultures, parents have warned their children of the legendary Bagman, who snatches innocent children and stuffs them into his vile, rotting bag—never to be seen again.
Patrick McKee (Sam Claflin) narrowly escaped such an encounter as a boy, which left him with lasting scars throughout his adulthood. Now, Patrick’s childhood tormentor has returned, threatening the safety of his wife Karina (Antonia Thomas) and son Jake (Caréll Rhoden)…
Reviews:
“McCarthy did attempt to elevate his plodding horror movie with an unexpectedly bleak ending. It was the only time that the movie felt like it was finally getting somewhere, even though it was already too late and too little. It’s hard to believe this movie is made for the theatrical release rather than a straight-to-streaming feature as it’s best to belong there.” ★ Casey’s Movie Mania
” …while Bagman follows familiar genre beats, Sam Claflin’s intense performance and the exploration of protective love elevate the film. Despite character and pacing issues, those seeking psychological chills over mere scares will find moments of resonance. Overall, Bagman provides a worthwhile 95-minute trip to confront one’s fears.” 7/10 Gazettely
“With a more focused narrative and a clearer resolution, it could have transformed its intriguing premise into something truly memorable. As it stands, the film is an uneven experience. While it captivates with its exploration of childhood trauma and the insidious nature of fear, it leaves viewers wanting more—a more coherent story, a more satisfying conclusion, and a deeper dive into its rich thematic potential.” Neo Film Shop
“Although Bagman is ostensibly a horror film, the closest it ever gets to something nightmarish is the kid’s constant tooting of a recorder—mostly because it sends chills down the spines of those foolish enough to have presented such instruments to their own children. Other than that, it’s a total dud through and through—it’s only surprising in that it somehow managed to get a theatrical release…” 1 out of 4, RogerEbert.com
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