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Event Horizon (1997)
- Dominique Rideout
- Jul 26, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 29, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5
Plot Summary
"Event Horizon," directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, is a 1997 sci-fi horror film that didn’t get the best reviews at first, however it is now a cult classic. We can’t get enough of its cosmic horror vibes and the creepy spaceship story. With stars like Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, and Kathleen Quinlan, the movie is set in 2047 and follows Captain Miller (Fishburne) on a mission to find the Event Horizon, a ship that disappeared seven years earlier. Dr. Weir (Neill) built the ship to travel faster than light speed by bending space and time using a device that creates a black hole, but it brought back something evil that causes nightmarish visions and drives everyone mad. For us fans of cosmic horror and psychological terror, "Event Horizon" is a wild ride into the unknown. "Event Horizon" proves that sometimes, what's lost should stay lost.
Chopping Block - Hits & Misses
Hits
I can't overlook how the Event Horizon spaceship itself feels like a character in the film. Designed to give us a sense of dread, the ship's interior was inspired by Gothic architecture, with elements scanned from Notre Dame Cathedral to create a creepy, cathedral-like environment. The massive sets, built at Pinewood Studios, really contribute to the film's immersive and claustrophobic atmosphere.
Fishburne’s portrayal of Captain Miller is both commanding and nuanced, while Neill’s transformation from a brilliant scientist to a man possessed by evil is seriously chilling. The supporting cast, including Kathleen Quinlan and Joely Richardson, also bring their A-game, grounding the film’s more fantastical elements in believable character dynamics.
I really can't talk about "Event Horizon" without mentioning its intense and graphic visual style. The scenes depicting the original crew's fate and the hellish visions experienced by the rescue team are both disturbing and memorable. Director Paul W.S. Anderson really pushed the boundaries of gore and body horror, creating scenes that are still potent and unsettling today.
Misses
I've got to point out that some of the dialogue in "Event Horizon" felt a bit cheesy, detracting from the film’s otherwise intense atmosphere. Some lines seemed like they were just thrown in to fill "dead air," but honestly, leaving the silence would have done a better job of keeping the suspense high.
The film borrows a lot from sci-fi and horror classics like "Solaris" and "Hellraiser." While these influences are respected, they can make the movie feel a bit derivative. The film's scares often use familiar horror tropes, which might seem predictable to seasoned genre fans.
Some of the secondary characters lacked depth, making it tougher for me to connect with their fates. This can take away from the emotional impact of their terrifying experiences on the Event Horizon.
Full Review
Scare Factor — Points: 1 "Event Horizon" really nails delivering visceral scares and psychological horror. The film’s graphic and disturbing imagery, along with the malevolent force haunting the ship, creates a lingering sense of dread that kept me on edge.
Storyline and Plot — Points: .5 The plot does a great job combining elements of sci-fi and horror, though it sometimes has issues with pacing and coherence. The back-and-forth between exploring the ship's mysteries and the crew's descent into madness can feel disjointed, but it really adds to the chaotic atmosphere.
Atmosphere and Setting — Points: 1 The gothic-inspired set design and claustrophobic interiors of the Event Horizon give it such a creepy feel. The ship's haunting presence is brought to life by the amazing attention to detail in the production design.
Special Effects and Makeup — Points: 1 The practical effects and makeup work in this film are seriously standout, adding so much to its grotesque and horrifying visual style. The disturbing visions and scenes of gore stick with you, despite the film’s age.
Acting and Performances — Points: 1 Laurence Fishburne and Sam Neill deliver compelling performances, with Neill's transformation into a possessed scientist being especially chilling. The supporting cast does a great job too, even though we don’t get much of their backstory. Their performances really add believability to the narrative.
Final Verdict
For fans of cosmic horror and psychological terror, "Event Horizon" offers a nightmarish journey into the unknown that's sure to leave you gripping the edge of your seat. Its flaws, while notable, are overshadowed by its impact as a daring and unforgettable entry in the sci-fi horror genre. So, if you're ready to confront your deepest fears and venture into the darkest corners of space, dive into "Event Horizon" for a chilling exploration of fear, guilt, and the terrifying unknown. Trust me, this is one ride you won't want to miss! (Or maybe you do...)
Rating: 4.5/5
