The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
Runtime: 93 minutes
Directed by: Osgood Perkins
Starring: Emma Roberts, Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Boynton, Lauren Holly, James Remar
From: A24
This was a request made to me earlier in the year; my apologies for waiting until Halloween night for me to see the movie. They actually requested two films—the second will be tackled sometime in the next 365 days. The only picture from Oz Perkins I’ve tackled was Gretel & Hansel; that was fine although I was never interested in seeing more from him.
After checking out The Blackcoat’s Daughter (i.e. February in several places; its more common title is better), the movie technically is good although it felt arch and as cold as its austere, snowy setting where a pair of ladies are stuck at a private school while everyone else is gone for break. Various events happen as they’re haunted by… something that won’t be spoiled by me. One aspect that is chilling: everyone’s behavior seems to be at least a little off-kilter.
Now, the movie was good between the solid direction, the nice visuals, the score, the characters, and the acting. The plot shifts perspective on a few occasions (Zach Cregger wasn’t the first by any means) and while methodically paced by even my standards, the undercurrent of dread throughout does pay off by the end. I wish the movie did not feel standoffish and I did not get fully wrapped up in the plot but I’m glad such a picture was made for a specific audience—most critically, I did NOT think it was insufferable or too snobbish like too many modern horror movies are, especially those released by this movie’s distributor, A24. Thus, I was glad the request was made.
Also, it’ll be awhile but eventually more Perkins WILL be tackled. Keeper’s trailer was viewed; I was relieved that not too much was revealed-it’s good to not have most everything spoiled even before paying a ticket for a movie at the cineplex. My official list for Spooky Season will be made public in the next day or two.
