Review: Experience a Mother’s Worst Nightmare in ‘The Diabolical’

This Friday comes a smart and unique horror story of a single mother’s own hellish reality. Thanks to XLrator Media and the directing of Alistair Lengrand, their film The Diabolical will keep you guessing all the way up to the final act. For those of you who are struggling in finding a decent horror film, this one may be worth the watch.

It all began with Madison (Ali Larter) sitting alone on her laptop; her two children, Jacob (Max Rose) and Haley (Chloe Perrin) asleep upstairs. The lights begin to flicker and the pictures on the wall begin to shake. “Not again,” she says. Suddenly a flash of light appears in the doorway where a bloody grotesque being comes crawling out towards her. She backs up and repeats to herself “It’s not real. It’s not real.” Another flash of light appears and the creature is gone. Madison then collects herself, sits back down in her seat and continues on with her night. This opening scene is a big reason why this film is different from your typical horror flick. The story begins with the paranormal phenomena as a pre-existing condition in the characters lives, which actually brings a really interesting side to Madison, Jacob and Haley’s characterization over the course of the film. The film continues on with the small family not only struggling with paranormal disturbances, but also Jacob’s violent behaviour in school and potential foreclosure on their house. After realizing that no one can help her situation, the strong and independent mother takes these problems into her own hands.

Ali Larter gave a solid performance as a protective mother of two. Her co-actors, Chloe Perrin, Max Rose, and Arjun Gupta, who played her son’s science tutor, Nikolai, all had equally as impressive performances. The Diabolical isn’t the greatest horror film of the year, however it is definitely different enough and interesting enough to check out. If you find yourself interested in science fictional side of horror you can find The Diabolical in theaters, VOD and iTunes on October 16th. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars.