Incarnation movie review

Incarnation is a chilling horror, mystery, and thriller that centers around the infamous demon, Mammon. The movie follows a young couple, Brad (Taye Diggs) and Jess (Jessica Uberuaga), as they set out to fulfill their American dream by moving to Los Angeles in search of a better life. In a stroke of good fortune, they discover a hidden real estate gem that seems too good to be true. However, as they soon discover, their newfound wealth comes at a steep cost.

The film, directed by Isaac Walsh and produced by Mike Hatton, delves into the dark side of human nature as it explores the couple's insatiable greed and their willingness to do whatever it takes to maintain their newly acquired wealth. Mammon, the embodiment of greed and a legendary demon, serves as a constant reminder of the price that must be paid for material wealth.

Isaac Walsh and Tyler Clair Smith, the writers of the film, have crafted a gripping storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the movie's 1 hour and 29-minute runtime. The movie's release on Feb 18, 2022, in limited theaters and streaming platforms, has captivated audiences with its exceptional cinematography and masterful storytelling.

Cinedigm, the distributor of Incarnation, has added another gem to its impressive lineup of critically acclaimed movies. The film's original language is English, and its well-crafted plot, combined with its talented cast and crew, has made it a must-watch for fans of horror, mystery, and thriller genres.

The pandemic has resulted in a surge of films that are set in a single location, typically featuring only a small cast. While there have been some innovative low-budget horror films released in this style, there are also those that are lackluster. Unfortunately, this particular film falls into the latter category.

The story follows Brad and Jess, a young couple who have just purchased a unique and oddly designed house in the hills above the San Fernando Valley in California. The camera often takes on a drone-like perspective, showcasing the building's unusual architecture, while also roaming through its empty rooms and hallways, almost like a virtual tour. Brad and Jess are small-time developers who buy properties to sell for profit, which brings to mind a subgenre of films from a few years ago, where ambitious young individuals are punished by supernatural entities for their greed.

The couple's trespasses increase when they discover a book of incantations in a spare room that generates strange, unsettling occurrences throughout the house, as if it is inhabited by a satanic admirer of Joseph Beuys. Adding to the film's sense of unease, Michael Madsen makes an appearance as a previous owner who alludes to his father's obsession with the occult, hinting at dark consequences for the young couple.

As the story progresses, the tension builds, culminating in a series of terrifying events that turn the immaculate white walls and bland décor of the house into a gore-soaked nightmare. The performances and dialogue are stiff, and the film lacks originality and energy, until an especially disturbing flashback involving Brad's beloved dog changes the tone of the film. The shift from dull to disturbing is jarring and unsettling, leaving the viewer with an unsettling impression long after the film is over.