The Boogeyman is a supernatural horror directed by Rob Savage, adapted from a short story of Stephen King’s by writing duo Scott Beck and Brian Woods (A Quiet Place, 65) and Mark Heyman (The Black Swan, The Skeleton Twins). The Boogeyman has some clout behind it, serving to infuse its first two-thirds with a slow burn sense of tension and dread. Its third act however, almost pulls the film into monster movie territory with action and fast pacing throwing the characters into the film’s climax. Depending on your preferences, or maybe rather your tolerance for horror, this switch in tone could either be a good thing or something of a disappointment.

 

The Boogeyman follows the sisters Sadie and Sawyer after the recent loss of their mother, and their struggles with their psychologist father Will, due to his inability to engage with them in their grief as he battles his own.  When a desperate patient comes to their home to seek Will’s help, something terrifying follows him in and starts to feed on the family’s grief.

 

Just like this year’s Evil Dead Rise, The Boogeyman was intended by its studio for release straight to streaming. Just like Evil Dead Rise, The Boogeyman escaped this fate through a change in strategy and positive test screenings. Stephen King himself reportedly enjoyed the film and advocated for its theatrical release. While The Boogeyman is not as strong as that Evil Dead sequel, it certainly deserves the theatrical treatment.

 

Solid direction, effective scoring and cinematography all combine to elevate the production above a standard direct to VOD release. Upon this solid basis, it’s with the performances that The Boogeyman shines brightest. Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) is excellent as Sadie, the embattled older sister to Vivien Lyra Blair’s (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Sawyer. Their father, Will is played convincingly by Chris Messina as a relatable, compassionate and frustrating man. These performances give depth to the film’s exploration of the complex and interesting relationship between Will and his daughters following the loss of their mother. 

 

The Boogeyman is a well crafted adaptation of a Stephen King short story that is elevated by strong direction and compelling performances, though whether or not it sticks the landing for you will depend on your personal preference for horror.