If you like thriller-esce horror with a heavy thinking forward story, then this film is for you. “Men" surprised me with how suspenseful it was, rather than a completely scary horror movie.
Synopsis
After a personal tragedy, Harper retreats alone to the English countryside to try and heal her pain, but someone around the woods seems to be stalking her. All her fears and nightmares come to life in what's supposed to be a relaxing retreat.
What I loved
The entire film was visually appealing from serene nature scenes to more grotesque visions that stick viewers eyes to the screen. Something optically draws you in and keeps you there the entire time.
The music in the film balances really well with visual effects, which makes it equally captivating. The music uses this balance of soft and eeriness in parts to keep you right on the edge of your seat. Every scene felt balanced with the music, and it made the movie that much more intriguing.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. This film had me covered in goosebumps, and I was legit clutching my chest watching each scene. Something about this film is the combination of it being so peaceful and eerie. It draws you in and keeps a hold of you.
What I didn't love
The movie felt like it lacked fluency throughout. There were a lot of good bits, but there were a lot of what felt like dead space. I think being in the woods alone is suspenseful, but when it goes on for so long it drags, you're asking yourself where the plot is.
The movie takes a surprisingly gory turn at the end. The movie is a rated R horror movie, so it should be expected for some graphic things to occur, but I’m not a fan of heavy amounts of gore. The scenes feel like a part of the plot, but that fluency makes me question why the gore is there. It also felt like the “scary” rated R part was just all shoved to the end, and it lost that thriller feel I loved so much.
Verdict
I loved the thriller aspect of this film, but I felt like there was a lot of thinking you had to do as well. The movie also doesn't have a clear ending.
I give "Men" a 3 out of 5.
