brightburn movie review - Aussieboyreviews
DOES BRIGHTBURN MIX THE SUPERHERO GENRE WITH THE HORROR GENRE?
In this gory horror movie, there’s a touch of a superhero stereotype mixed with violent terror. Brightburn is definitely a very dark movie for mature teens.
Storyline
After a child from another world crash-lands on the property of married Tori and Kyle Breyer, the couple decide to adopt and raise the boy as their own. However, instead of becoming a hero to mankind, he proves to be something far more sinister.
Movie Images
Movie details
Director: David Yarovesky
Cast: Elizabeth Banks, David Denman, Jackson A. Dunn, Matt Jones
Writer: Brian Gunn, Mark Gunn
Release Date (Australia): 23 May 2019
Runtime: 90 minutes/1h 30m
Genre: Horror, Drama, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Language: English
CONTENT GUIDE (warning: May contain spoilers)
The film contains thematic material relating to murders and injuries inflicted by a child using supernatural powers.
The film contains multiple depictions of gory injuries and bloody violence inflicted by the use of supernatural powers.
The film contains aggressive use of the word “f**k”, in addition to use of the words “s**t”, “damn” and “hell”.
None.
None.
The film contains crude verbal references to masturbation, as well as a scene in which a man and a woman attempt to engage in sexual intercourse.
mpaa rating
R (for horror violence/bloody images, and language)
Aussie boy's thoughts
Brightburn inventively introduces the superhero genre to the horror genre, all whilst asking the appealing question, “what if…?”. Fairly uneasy moments, a handful of extreme gore and produced by James Gunn, you should definitely swerve away if you’re uninterested in the horror genre. However, it’s also interesting to see how the superhero stereotypes blend with sinister ideas.
The child performer is great in his role as a child with a fascinating identity. What makes the one character so compelling is his dark side; a non-action supervillain’s personality. It doesn’t head in a direction that matters too much, but Elizabeth Banks and some other members of the cast just aren’t as great.
But horror movie fans will be pleased to witness the use of supernatural powers in a horror context. It’s the best thing about this film. And unlike fair amounts of Marvel tales or other superhero movies, Brightburn is a close sibling to gore and jump-scares.
The fascinating concept is unfortunately smacked hard in the face by the execution. It’s not anywhere near terrible, but Brightburn doesn’t choose to be unique when it comes to being scary or thrilling. The kid is clearly portrayed as someone who’s quite special compared to the other people around him and he’s the supernatural monster who causes lots of destruction, but that’s about it. A stranger or more unusual tone could’ve been thrown in with the execution finely.
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