By Corey Vikser
Executive Online Editor
“Don’t think it, don’t say it.” This phrase is the central premise of the newest horror release, “The Bye Bye Man,” a cliche and lazy piece of filmmaking.
“The Bye Bye Man” is an incoherent mess of a film, as the poor script and atrocious acting take away from the film’s half-decent premise.
PHOTOS: The Bye Bye Man, a long delayed production, finally released on January 13th.
College students Elliot, John and Sasha (Douglas Smith, Lucien Laviscount, Cressida Bonas) move into a dilapidated mansion near their campus. Upon discovering an old nightstand with the words “The Bye Bye Man” etched inside, the group begin experiencing vivid hallucinations, becoming increasingly paranoid they’re being hunted by a demonic entity with the same name.
The film suffers from a poorly written script, filled with laughable dialogue and underdeveloped plot threads. There is no consistency within the screenplay, as the main characters go from hysterically delusional in one scene to completely normal in the next. For the first hour, the Bye Bye Man is shrouded in mystery, hinting at an overarching explanation for the film’s events. Repeated symbolism, such as images of a train, throughout leads audiences to believe that there will be a meaningful plot connection, but the filmmakers mostly ditch the concept halfway through.
The lazy approach to the script detracts from the film, as the filmmakers take narrative shortcuts in place of quality filmmaking. Rather than explain the contrived plot they set up, the screenwriters invent multiple characters to act as exposition vehicles. None of the characters interact like genuine human beings, as each discussion is meant to further the plot.
The film’s direction is a tonal mess, as the film ranges from slightly intriguing to outright laughable. The opening scenes set in the 1960s are genuinely disturbing, but the film quickly devolves into a realm of cheesiness that rivals a Hallmark TV movie. One notable moment comes when a woman is standing on a railway unaware of an incoming train. The conductor is shown with his arms extended outward, overdramatically screaming “No!” as the woman is crushed like a soda can. The filmmakers takes the subject matter way too seriously for a film titled “The Bye Bye Man,” and a sense of levity would’ve greatly improved it.
In terms of horror, “The Bye Bye Man” is a forgettable affair. The first few scares are surprisingly effective, as director Stacy Title builds atmosphere whilst revealing very little. As the film goes on, however, all subtlety is lost and the production’s limits are much more visible. The villain’s skinless hound is supposed incite fear, but looks like a walking meatball due to the film’s low budget. When the titular villain is revealed in full, he resembles a bootleg imitation of Voldemort, instantly removing any sense of tension.
The film’s acting is its worst aspect, as the main cast have the chemistry of a television infomercial family. The lead actress Cressida Bonas is especially terrible, as her performance is so apathetic one would think she was being held captive on set. This is especially evident during an intimate scene with her on-screen boyfriend (Douglas Smith), as her soulless facial expressions practically scream to the audience, “I’m only here for the paycheck.”
Despite all of the film’s lackluster aspects, the concept of the Bye Bye Man is genuinely original and memorable. A supernatural villain that is summoned by the mere thought of the name leaves many opportunities for unique scares, most of which are left unsought.
The Bye Bye Man is an original, albeit disappointing film. The poor acting, scriptwriting and direction hold it back from reaching its full potential.
The Bye Bye Man is rated ‘PG-13’ and in theaters now.
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