[REVIEW] Baghead (2023) Underwhelming but with Potential
Having recently inherited a creepy and dingy old pub from her deceased and estranged father, Iris becomes the new guardian of a supernatural tenant that is confined to the basement of the pub. Struggling with financial difficulties and becoming homeless, Iris travels to the town of the pub to claim her new inheritance. While settling into the new digs, a desperate man arrives at the pub offering $4,000 to see the woman in the basement.. Not knowing what she has entangled herself in Iris decides to stay, tempted by the lure of a way to make quick cash.
Baghead (2023) is a new supernatural location locked horror, written by Christina Pamies, Bryce McGuire and Lorcan Reilly, and directed by Alberto Corredor in his directorial debut. The premise on its own stands as an intriguing and chilling concept: a run-down pub with creaking floors and creepy old photos donning the walls of every hallway. Bahgead is atmospheric, but that is where the horror stops, falling short of the intensity that could have permeated the film.
Feeling inspired by moody horror films like Silent Hill (which it surely gives small nods to), Baghead engages audiences in a potentially intense fight with the living and the dead. Within the opening minutes of the film, Baghead is introduced to Iris and her best friend Katie who seem to be too nonchalant about an ancient supernatural monster being trapped within their newly acquired basement. There are scenes throughout the film that lack the expected urgency, this is attributed to the script not matching the visuals that are being projected throughout the movie. This approach to the narrative of the demon is a letdown, as Iris demonstrates a lack of anxiety that would accompany her situation.
The creature in the basement which we discover is an ancient demon who can summon the dead is a branch of the film that could have been further intertwined to enhance the seriousness of the tone. While Katie does investigate this demon, we are left wanting more information to further enhance the script and overall atmosphere of Baghead and her beginnings. While this adds intrigue to the film, it unfortunately is one of the only standout elements of the film.
Whilst being a horror film, Baghead doesn’t lean into the supernatural elements of the sub-genre that build scares and tension. There are few moments that lean into the grotesque with blood and bodily fluids, these are creative and contribute to the demonic element of Baghead and her presence in the basement. Towards the end of Baghead, the storyline becomes muddy and convoluted, this makes for a frustrating conclusion to the film.
Baghead succeeds in creating an atmospheric tone that is brought to life with skillful cinematography, despite this achievement, Baghead is hindered by the shallow character development and the lackluster script ascribed to those characters. Baghead is certainly a film for popcorn viewing and those who are new to supernatural films.
