The Overlook: Coherence

(imdb.com)

Some of the best horror movies of the past few years have been wildly simplistic. Grounded and slow burning, these mostly indie movies seem realistic because of their practical effects and low-key production. Movies like The Blackcoat's Daughter (fresh in my mind from a recent review) give us the opportunity to feel a part of a movie based on their very realistic atmosphere. Even supernatural and otherworldly films can provide this very intimate and human feel through practical filming and casual production value. 2013's Coherence is one of those movies.

Following a group of friends at a dinner party, Coherence takes a turn for the horrific and complex after a comet is sighted and strange events begin to occur. The movie boasts a strong cast with Emily Baldoni (Grizzly Park) as Emily, Maury Sterling (Smokin' Aces) as Kevin, Nicholas Brendon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) as Mike and Lorene Scafaria (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist) as Lee and Elizabeth Gracen (Highlander: the Series) as Beth.

For most of the movie, the guests of the dinner party are led along on a tumultuous ride that is even further steps behind the audience viewing. While viewers are left in the dark, twisted plot of the film, even their knowledge of what exactly is happening is ahead of the clueless characters. Watching them unravel as they attempt to figure out what they once thought they knew is entertaining enough and because of the movie's shorter run time, viewers should stay focused throughout.

Despite it's low budget, the majority of the actors are great acting as disheveled messes. Their varied talent levels (accurately represented in screen time), make what could be an overly fantastical and Lifetime movie-worthy plot, cool and gripping. Beldoni is an especially shining star as the group's most level-headed member.

 

Coherence works best when it examines group dynamics and thought processes. For some of the characters, their willingness to ignore the complexities of the ordeal they face is compelling. What would never happen in real life still makes viewers wonder how they would react if their group of friends were exposed to the insane and frightening nature of the movie.

Coherence should not be missed. Like last year's indie darling The Invitation, this complex and twisty movie offers a lot to look at without very much pizzazz needed. The ordinariness of it, paired with the insane events that occur will leave you questioning what you would do in that situation. If any of this article seems vague, it's because to spoil would be to ruin and I would never want to ruin the coherent Coherence.