‘The Front Room’ Review – Being Gaslit By The Holy Spirit

Synopsis: Everything goes to hell for newly-pregnant Belinda (Brandy) after her mother-in-law (Kathryn Hunter) moves in. As the diabolical guest tries to get her claws on the child, Belinda must draw the line somewhere…

In a modern world full of constant distractions and nonsense, one must protect one’s peace. Besides not letting online negativity consume you, knowing when to say no even though it may potentially upset others is crucial. Unfortunately, if you don’t set boundaries for yourself early and often, people will take advantage of you. They will exploit your kindness, abuse your generosity, and test your patience. Some may not realize their missteps and will acquiesce when informed. With the others, you will have to step outside your comfort zone and stand your ground. Most of us would prefer to keep to ourselves, remain quiet, and go with the flow, but if you don’t stand up for yourself, someone will stand on you.

“She wants to take over this house.”

It’s easy to forget that the person you marry may have a family that isn’t quite as loveable. Usually, you can avoid them until the holidays, but what happens when they are unloveable, evil, and stuck with them indefinitely? Directed by Max and Sam Eggers, The Front Room is what happens when you are being gaslit by the Holy Spirit while trying to maintain your sanity. In our current political and social climate this film feels rather apropos. From gaps and divisions due to age, religious beliefs, and education, to pretty much everything nowadays, creating something that’s an amalgamation of them all is perfect timing. Unfortunately, this thriller is often too afraid of itself to make a profound statement. It’s also possible that those at the helm lack the experience in these sensitive topics to add a modicum of depth. If this is indeed the case, don’t use the racial tension as the highlight of your trailer and take zero risks in the film.

What The Front Room gets right is the devilishly juvenile and maliciously manipulative battle for control of the household. Despite her better judgment but motivated by selfishness, Belinda (Brandy Norwood) decides to be generous and move Solange (Kathryn Hunter), her grieving mother-in-law in with her and her husband, Normand (Andrew Burnap). From the moment the widow steps foot in their home, the mind games begin and wickedness unfolds. Whether it’s the montage of punishment, the constant belittlement, or the mental beatdown, a person can only deal with so much and if a resolution can’t be met then there have to be consequences. To make matters more difficult, Belinda is also pregnant. Not only is she trying to bring life into this world, but the one closer to the way out believes that the Holy Spirit inhabits her body. However, as we know, not everything done in the name of Jesus is just or right or even makes sense.

“Am I supposed to be a mother?”

At times, the story feels like a cautionary tale while also being unexpectedly funny. With its small cast, the results include a focused narrative with intense and uncomfortable moments. There are thrilling moments of perceived supernatural unease, but as Belinda continues to unravel, the lines of reality blur. Featuring some subtle storytelling with its production design and the fantastic performance of Kathryn Hunter, the film has its shining moments. Unfortunately, because the writing failed to say anything with its chest, embrace its darkness, or lean into its supernatural aspects, The Front Room is forgettable. Its rewatchability is low.

Pace & Pop

The only pacing issue the film harbors is moving too quickly as it could’ve benefited from a longer runtime. Its third act feels rushed and a few particular subjects are brushed over as if handling a Faberge egg. What popped for me was the voice and delivery of Kathryn Hunter’s portrayal of Solange. There’s something about a raspy condescension-filled Southern accent that gets under your skin but is oddly appealing.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Brandy Norwood, Kathryn Hunter, Andrew Burnap, Neal Huff

This film only works because of the diabolical, captivating, petty, and terrific performance of Kathryn Hunter as Solange. You ultimately feel the same way Belinda (Brandy Norwood) does, that her step-mother-in-law needs a swift kick to the curb and a history lesson, however, more Solange means more unhinged madness. Norman (Andrew Burnap) only serves as a bystander for most of the film. Nothing happens to him, just around him. Brandy performs well as Belinda, but it only works when paired with Solange. The tension is high, but it could’ve truly been off the charts if the interactions were edgier.

The Front Room is now in theaters. Stay safe and protect your peace.

Rated: R Runtime: 1h 26m Directors: Max Eggers and Sam Eggers Screenplay: Max Eggers and Sam Eggers Based on the Short Story by: Susan Hill Producers: Lucan Toh, Babak Anvari, David Hinojosa, Julia Oh Director of Photography: Ava Berkofsky Production Designer: Mary Lena Colston Editors: Benjamin Rodriguez Jr., Eric Kissack Costume Designer: Elizabeth Warn Music: Marcelo Zarvos