MALIGNANT, from left: Maddie Hasson, Annabelle Wallis, 2021. © Warner Bros. /Courtesy Everett Collection

Malignant (2021): Film Review

Malignant (2021) is a silly, gory horror. But that is what makes this film so much fun! 

From the writer/director that brought us other horror flicks such as Saw (2004), Insidious (2010) and The Conjuring (2013), James Wan returns to his horror roots with Malignant after previously directing DC Comics action film Aquaman (2018). This insane and unique filmmaker tells the tale of a woman paralysed with fear after experiencing shocking visions of murders to which she soon starts to realize that these are terrifying realities all committed by the same evil entity known as ‘Gabriel’. 

In the lead role is Annabelle Wallis playing Madison Mitchell. Wallis’ performance presents us with a character living on edge in fear, both from the trauma in her past and the paralysing visions of Gabriel graphically slaughtering people. Meanwhile Madison’s sister Sydney Lake (portrayed by Maddie Hason) tries to help her overcome her visions and uncover the secrets of Madison’s past and her link to Gabriel. 

Malignant is a film that is not intended to take itself seriously. The film’s graphic violence, entertaining action sequences and unbearably bonkers twist ending, means you are guaranteed to have a great time watching it. Although, I do believe this film will divide audiences because of its goofiness. Considering the twist ending and the film not entirely set on scaring you, I can understand that some audiences are not going to like it. 

But I still recommend you give this film a watch. If you are a fan of James Wan, horror and just in general want to have a good scary time with a bag of popcorn, Malignant is right for you!

My verdict: Malignant is brutal, silly, but most of all fun. James Wan returns to his horror roots with a new original story that is guaranteed to entertain and shock audiences with its gory kills and a bonkers twist. 

Article Written by Joshua Miter

Image courtesy of Warner Bros.

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