Regression (2015)

Running Time: 1 hr 46 min

Release Date: February 5, 2016 (US)

Review by: Stacey

Regression is actually less of a horror movie and more on the crime/mystery/drama side but here at To Avoid Fainting, we do whateva we want; and because it was directed by Alejandro Amenabar (if you haven't seen his Spanish thriller Tesis, drop what you're doing and go watch it now).  Coming from the same guy behind The Others and Open Your Eyes (which ultimately became Vanilla Sky) and with a cast that included Emma Watson and Ethan Hawke, I was sure this flick wouldn't let me down.  Well, readers, I'm here to tell you that, unfortunately, it did.

Taking place in 1990, Det. Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) is investigating the case of John Gray (David Dencik), accused of sexually molesting his 17 yr old daughter, Angela (Emma Watson).  Through the aide of Professor Kenneth Raines (David Thewlis) who uses regression, they uncover a shocking conspiracy that could be the work of a Satanic cult.

 There have been plenty of movies released that dabble in the subject of cults (Satanic or otherwise) but I'm not sure I've seen any that directly involve the Satanic Panic of the 80's/early 90's.  Not to mention using the controversial regression therapy as the main plot device was definitely different.

While the script (penned by Amenabar as well) was actually good and the story had my attention for the first half, there came a turning point in the film when you basically had it figured out well before the final reveal actually happened.  The major twist was not as shocking as I was wanting it to be or as I'm assuming they were hoping it to be (again see Tesis if you want him to make that happen fairly successfully).
 

The acting from the two leads left a lot to be desired, as did the majority of the other actors.  Hawke's character didn't feel any different from his other horror roles in Sinister and The Purge, but really, I'm pretty sure just acts the same in every role.  Maybe he's just destined to play detective/protective dad forever.  Emma Watson...oh boy, ok, nobody hate me for this but I'm pretty sure I've never seen a Harry Potter movie past the first one and I didn't even finish that one.  I'm sure babygirl is going to forever be known as Hermione, let's face it.  That said, she was channeling some SERIOUS Kristen Stewart in Regression and I wasn't sure if it was because she's still finding her other acting abilities outside of being a tiny wizard, or if she was just too focused on trying to sound as American as possible.

What could have been an engaging and suspenseful thriller ended up throwing it all away on a predictable twist ending that felt way too safe considering the subject matter they were dealing with.  Not to mention the constant fantasy vs reality game that was played throughout felt totally wasted when the final credits rolled.

Regression isn't an all-together horrible movie, but I think you're better off finding another cult-based movie (The Wicker Man, Kill List, Race With the Devil) to watch if you want to whet your appetite.

2/5 is that you, K Stew? 

Check out the trailer below!