Antrum: The Deadliest Film Ever Made

I will go ahead and warn you now. If you are not into horror or weird almost trippy films, Antrum is not for you. I was recommended the film a few weeks back by a friend who knows me pretty well. They said they just finished watching it, wasn’t too sure how they felt about the film and definitely wanted to hear my thoughts and opinions on the movie. A few weeks later I had the time and decided to watch the film in the middle of the day. This review will be a little different than the rest of my articles. I won’t be posting spoilers or telling too much detail in regards to the plot and storyline. This is a film I want you to hear a little about and then go check out yourself.

The film starts off with a little backstory on the films origins. It almost opens in a documentary type of way. The film from the beginning of its release has always had some type of hype and mystique to it. From fires, to accidents, even deaths, Antrum has always caused some sort of chaos and conflict. After multiple accounts of trauma, the film was banned and has never been seen or watched again until now. The copy of the film was found in their estate with splices and cuts of very disturbing and graphic visuals. For the first time in 20 years Antrum is now being viewed and shared around the world. A legal notice then pops up on the screen with a warning and a countdown from 30 seconds. Then the film begins.

Now that’s about as much detailed info in regards to the films plot that I’m going to give. The film as a whole is not terrifying, I have to be honest with you. But it gives you such a weird and strange feeling, it’s hard to explain. The film stars Nicole Tompkins who plays the older sister Oralee, and Rowan Smyth who plays the younger brother Nathan. The film is written by David Amito and directed by him and Michael Laicini. The film’s simple synopsis is two siblings go into a forest to dig a hole to hell. The film is said to be cursed from the late 1970s.

The film as a whole was so odd that it took a few viewings to see everything and get the entire feel for the story. From the music to how it was filmed, the film gives off an eerie unsettling feeling from my perspective. I was actually doing okay with the film until halfway through a quick clip popped up on the screen that made me feel very weird. After that scene, I paused the film for a few days. Once my quick breather was over I finished the film and was able to watch it all the way through in one sitting the next day.

Yes, the visuals are very interesting to say the least. There are some that you almost can’t make out what they are and then there are some that are so quick you just get a glimpse of what should or shouldn’t be on your screen. The context of the film is very dark. The movie is actually sectioned in parts. As they film moves on and they keep on digging deeper and deeper the film flips through chapters and layers. The chapters are out of the book Oralee carries around with her and the layers are how close they are and how deep they are in hell. The context of dealing with the devil and digging holes to hell all while being in the forest where creepy things, people, and noises are happening really is unsettling. Especially because throughout the entire film your not too sure what exactly is happening and what’s to come next.

The film carries on for a while until the ending finally approaches which had me thinking for a while. The end credits go even deeper into all the facts and info on the film. Antrum is that film you will either love and feel entertained by, or you will hate it. If you like the weird, odd, and unsettling give it a try. If you end up enjoying it, recommend it to a friend you think would like it and keep the ball rolling. There is something so unique when it comes to the storytelling and how they actually were able to influence audiences with this film. Go watch Antrum and let me know how you feel and what you thought. If you have already seen the film please let me know what you think. I’m very curious to hear all of your thoughts and opinions on Antrum.