Succubus

Written and directed by R. J. Daniel Hanna, the movie follows Chris (Brendan Bradley), a separated new father, creating an account on a dating app and finding himself lured by a mysterious girl he matched with named Adra (Rachel Cook).

Succubus is a movie that has a decent beginning where what is seen is mostly through the screen as the protagonist is video calling with his best friend while swiping right on the dating app. You can feel where the story is heading as he comes across Rachel Cook's profile. A profile that screams scam in every single way where to proceed would require a suspension of logic and sense, but nonetheless she is real, and from then on strange things start to happen. Brendan Bradley is good playing the struggling father, and Ron Perlman as Dr. Orion Zephyr is definitely a strong presence on the film. However, the story loses its steam in the second half where the turn of events departs from what came before and goes for the paranormal. It is one of those cases where it probably would have worked better if the story never left the initial setting and the realm of the real.

It could be said the movie is an allegory for monogamy since many times the decisions the protagonist takes, ultimately putting himself in danger, are always related to finding the fulfillment of desire outside matrimony. It would seem Succubus is preaching that pleasure should only be sought between monogamous normative relationships, and everything outside its realms is deemed a one-way path to doomland. In any case, it is a movie with a good idea that sadly was not translated to the screen.

I liked this movie quite a bit. I know nothing about dating apps - but the use if a dating app and the uses of chat and the computer/social media in general was very effective. My guess is that no dating app has women as young and attractive as most of those in whatever app Chris was using. And probably that not many women that young and attractive are very interested in going out with a father in the middle of a separation with a very young child, but what do I know?

If you get past that - and suspend belief that said father would not be suspicious about a woman who looked like Rachel Cook oozing over him - the movie is very much fun. Ron Perlman is not going to win an Academy Award for his performance, but the character was fun - I spent a lot of the movies trying to figure out whose side he was really on.

The succubus mythology was interesting and the final ending both surprising and foreshadowed.

An altogether competent bit of fun.

In this 2024 erotic-horror-thriller, we follow a man who joins a dating app after his marriage falls apart. His life is a complete mess, and he keeps finding himself in awkward situations, ultimately swiping right on a dating app on the wrong woman. The movie starts off clever and fun, introducing us to the main character, Chris (Brendan Bradley), his estranged wife Sharon (Olivia Grace Applegate), and his best friend Eddie (Derek Smith), who is kind of a douche. Chris is still in contact with Sharon even though they are separated, and she's currently at a bachelorette party. Instead of enjoying the evening, she keeps checking the baby monitor, only to witness some really weird things.

There is also Chris's mom, who is constantly worried about him, played by Rosanna Arquette, the exposition-heavy Ron Perlman, and Adra (Rachel Cook), the mysterious woman from the dating app. Chris is home alone with the baby and keeps video calling with the different character's which added some dynamic interactions and gives the audience the chance to get to know the different characters.

The acting was convincing, especially from Brendan Bradley and Olivia Grace Applegate, who delivered great performances as Chris and Sharon. Rachel Cook looked stunning and portrayed her role really well too. The concept was a little cheesy but undeniably fun, and the movie had some interesting ideas. However, the execution lacked in several areas, and the pacing felt uneven.

The story began intriguingly, but as it progressed, it became awkward and weird at times. It felt like the filmmakers ran out of ideas halfway through and needed filler material to extend the runtime. At one point, you think the movie is over, only to discover there are 15 minutes left, during which they throw in a final twist. While I liked the ending, it felt out of place and added to the movie's uneven tone.

On the plus side, the movie featured some nice special effects and a dreamy atmosphere that were enjoyable. The comedic aspects were unexpected but well-executed, with plenty of awkward moments stemming from the seductive Adra and the clumsy Chris.

Overall, the movie was fine but could have been much more enjoyable with some adjustments to the story and post-production. [5,2/10]

Generally, the horror genre has not been the go-to category for streaming services lately, with most product mainly imitative, paying only lip-service to the classics. 2024 however has a different feel to it, with some very talented people, both in front of and behind the camera, approaching the core notion of horror from new and interesting angles. Check out for example the novel scripting in ABIGAIL, LONGLEGS, and the completely unforgettable (even if you actually want to) THE SUBSTANCE. SUCCUBUS 2024 continues this trend. Creator R. J. Daniel Hanna, best known for the well-received social drama MISS VIRGINIA 2019, goes genre-hopping here. He attempts to deliver a product that both scares and educates at the same time. The really scary (!) thing is that it almost hits both targets, with a tale that is unique enough to hold attention, and alert enough to flag the "horror" of Social Media in our daily lives. Perlman as supporting actor always adds gravitas to any production, and Rachel Cook will likely bring in enough of her worldwide fans to put SUCCUBUS on the 2024 Leaderboard. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Succubus is a captivating and innovative horror thriller that skillfully blends the supernatural with the anxieties of modern dating. Writer-director R. J. Daniel Hanna delivers a stylish and suspenseful film that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Brendan Bradley shines as Chris, a vulnerable father navigating a separation and seeking connection in the digital world. His performance captures the raw emotion of loneliness and longing, making him instantly relatable. Rachel Cook is mesmerizing as Adra, the seductive succubus who ensnares Chris in her web. Her portrayal is both alluring and terrifying, perfectly balancing vulnerability with a chillingly sinister undercurrent. Ron Perlman delivers a powerful supporting performance as the enigmatic Dr. Zephyr, adding another layer of intrigue to the film.

The film's unique approach to storytelling, seamlessly integrating "screenlife" elements with traditional cinematography, is a testament to Hanna's innovative vision. The "red room" sequences are visually stunning and emotionally disturbing, showcasing the film's technical mastery. The subtly pulsing electronic score and sharp editing further enhance the suspenseful atmosphere, creating a truly immersive experience.

Succubus is not just a horror film; it's a thought-provoking exploration of human connection, isolation, and the dark side of desire in the digital age. Its clever use of symbolism and social commentary elevates it beyond typical genre conventions, making it a must-see for fans of horror and thought-provoking cinema alike. Rachel Cook's Special Mention Best Actress award at Grimmfest and the film's Audience Award are well-deserved recognitions of its achievements. A triumph of contemporary horror.