"The Inheritance," directed by Alejandro Brugués, presents a familiar yet intriguing premise that feels reminiscent of a high-end "Goosebumps" episode or a demonic twist on "Ready or Not." The film delivers a sense of dread, bolstered by a haunting score that keeps viewers on edge throughout its concise 84-minute runtime.
Bob Gunton, looking older than ever, anchors the film with a solid performance as the paranoid billionaire. The ensemble cast, including Peyton List and Briana Middleton, effectively portrays the fractured family dynamics, even if some of the character arcs feel a bit underdeveloped.
Alejandro Brugués demonstrates his knack for making the mundane seem frightening, though this film lacks his trademark humor, opting instead for a more straightforward horror approach. The result is a series of scenes where the family is stalked throughout the house, with most revelations and the true horror kept until the very end. This structure might feel predictable to some, but it maintains a fun, if somewhat superficial, sense of suspense.
The practical effects in "The Inheritance" are worth the price of admission, seamlessly blending with some of the finest combinations of CGI and practical effects seen in recent horror films. Despite budgetary constraints that limit most death scenes to showing only the aftermath, leaving the more gruesome details to the imagination, the film remains visually engaging. These moments elevate the movie and showcase Brugués' directorial strengths.
Despite its merits, "The Inheritance" has an air of predictability and occasionally feels like a TV movie. The Netflix cancellation and subsequent search for distribution reflect the challenges faced by the production. While enjoyable, it might not fully resonate with those outside its target audience, particularly viewers who don't typically gravitate toward direct-to-streaming films.
Lastly, the film's casting choices, particularly the inclusion of Peyton List, might seem like an attempt to ride the wave of young stars popularized by series like "Cobra Kai." While List delivers a competent performance, this casting decision feels somewhat forced, echoing the industry's previous fixation on Millie Bobby Brown.
"The Inheritance" is a decent horror film with enough thrills and practical effects to entertain genre fans. Strong performances and effective direction balance its predictable plot. While it may not break new ground, it offers a fun, albeit familiar, experience for horror enthusiasts.
Jessie Hobson