Halloween is a season that the streaming services have been waiting for all year to unleash their horrors, and in 2022 October, it looks like they will continue to bank on the opportunity to appeal to the season through streaming. Ever since the cinema was born horror and science fiction films have become a staple in its world but with years rolling by and technology evolving, special effects and costuming have only advanced further. No longer do we have silent films where monster would just rely on make up shots and props – as of 2022 onwards, one has many options regarding the type of horror content he/she can release. That is why it’s a breath of fresh air when movies like Paramount+’s newest streaming release – Significant Other – come into being.
They are long-time collaborators who as well wrote and directed the script of Significant Other Dan Berk and Robert Olsen. It came out during an interview how they say that this whole idea was born by COVID-19 pandemic hence the outdoor setting and quite isolated characters. The movie was picked up by Paramount for streaming on their platform and given funding because it was filmed in Pacific Northwest; thereby more budget was allocated for any subsequent special effects teams or talents. Fans of Annihilation-like movies might find themselves liking Significant Other which launches just in time for Halloween slate.
They brought back Maika Monroe from Villains (2019) movie to cast as Ruth in this movie again. She had a couple indie projects come out recently including Watcher which did pretty well too. Jake Lacy plays Harry opposite her whom fans of The Office should know by now. These two serve as main characters throughout most scenes where they spend much time wandering about in forests carrying emotions alongside camera work for Majority part of film until its end.
This contemporary horror film stands against what is expected from this genre today: rather than becoming more technologically sophisticated it takes one step back towards creating an indie movie that seems simple but has a lot to say by the end.
Throughout Significant Other, set in the dark, murky Pacific Northwest, there is quite the atmosphere going on. Starting with first shot where supernatural activities are hinted at, this instant feeling of disturbing urgency is felt throughout the entire location. There are two major characters in this movie Harry (Lacy) and Ruth (Monroe). They both seem quite young have been dating for a long time and finally decided to go hiking in a remote wilderness that will change their lives forever. Before they embark on their adventure, it is all fun and games when guessing what kind of plants exist in the woods but soon it’s going to get weird real quick.
When Ruth sees the beginning of the trail, she gets scared. “I prefer the ocean,” she says, peering fearfully through yellowish trees and moaning waters that lie ahead. Harry quickly dismisses her concerns, assuring her that this will be worth it and he has done a million of these trails without anything bad happening. Their relationship seems a bit awkward from the onset as illustrated by Ruth’s withdrawnness and anxiety compared to Harry’s unceasing babbling to fill in the silence. At one point as they pause for a glance at where they have come from, he goes on alone without waiting for her . In this scene however, we see only Ruth while fixing our eyes on her perspective.
This changes though when they stumble upon a cliff and Harry decides it’s time to propose. While he kneels down on one knee and says his words, Ruth starts having panic attack with camera going dizzily round as she moves towards the edge of the cliff then reaches out for her medication. However, this is only an introduction to their many arguments and conflicts because when they find a mauled deer covered in fungi all over its body , it is clear something paranormal might be lurking around these woods somewhere. Harry also brushes aside the issue later that night near bonfire saying he doesn’t think whatever killed that deer would bother them.
Significant Other takes off running after this event in its second half. But before our lovely couple went hiking there was a meteor which brought forth an alien creature.” This is what killed the deer . So now Harry and Ruth are dealing with new trouble from what should have been peaceful surroundings. The opening section of Significant Other dips its toes in water so we can learn how wrong things are about to get for our characters who are already stuck in uncomfortable settings but as events unfold in pitch dark forests full of twists and turns; it gathers pace until reaching breaking point unleashing pain felt through many different feelings and occurrences. Of course, there are a few moments when it might feel slightly fragmented but I think that movies like the one being discussed can teach us quite a lot.
The majority of Significant Other is about two people wandering through the forest, and as the story’s twists begin to reveal themselves, everything we thought at the beginning of this movie will be totally twisted. It is only after an hour mark that more horror and science fiction elements are introduced into Harry and Ruth’s characterization. Overall, it constitutes a good story with some philosophical threads running through it and a few times to throw away viewers’ expectations in terms of narrative. However, given that even though its directors have been able to acquire a bigger platform for producing this film did not keep them from budget restrictions—therefore audiences expecting more could be disappointed especially during Halloween month . There are certain intriguing choices made about how the natural setting like trees or water contributes to discomfort experienced in the film.
It is important to realize, however, that this movie’s primary audience is horror genre fans. So, it could be classified as a hybrid film if one speaks in genre terms even though audiences may not find it very chilling and more theoretical at times which is fitting for the story theme. The core of “Significant Other” lies in two people who have been dating for six years but might not know each other well after all and if it comes to the worst scenario they won’t last a day since their relationship will not bare the test of time.
The lead actors are really outstanding – they have to be because they embody the essence of the play; however, more information reveals them as less reliable characters as well as opens up more gray areas in the narrative. Monroe excels here with a delicate performance where all the finer points are embedded into her monologue. Lacy also gets into his character’s personality and desires when he crosses over a line by countering his character’s agreement against engagement presently. While Ruth’s consistent anxiety and panic attacks confuse their relationship somewhat initially, there are small things that show both have been in love together for long hours. These little moments add an extra layer on what is happening on screen whether it be an inside joke or expression of presence through mannerisms.
One thing I really enjoy about this movie is how quiet most of its scenes are. It isn’t your average horror flick – especially those big budget ones with huge numbers of special effects and bigger sets than big forests. And that makes it seem twice realer somehow. The two characters’ isolation coupled with their pre-existing connection feels so much more natural due to an organic rhythm established by this film maker while telling this story. People usually feel uneasy walking alone in woods especially when they suffer from some mental illness such as anxiety disorder; yet sometimes proposals do not meet our expectations Many feel unease entering a forest alone, especially when paired with mental health issues like anxiety, and some proposals do not end up with the results that everyone expects. With a tight and well-done final act, Significant Other succeeds in what it sets out to do.
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