2023 Movie
Dir. Christopher Smith · United Kingdom, United States of America · English
A spiritless supernatural horror film, brought down by its structure and lack of subtlety
Known best for his horror films, writer-director Christopher Smith’s latest stint in the genre has dropped on Hulu. Consecration is one of many supernatural horror films set in convents and churches, as the Catholic Church’s notorious silence is easy fodder for potential fears. There’s some of that here, as Grace, portrayed by the excellent Jena Malone, tries to uncover the truth, not just for her brother’s murder but for her own past. However, there’s no secrecy in this murder mystery with the dialogue holding no subtlety at all. Even as the cast makes the most of it, Consecration drags down any possible tension or intrigue with its painfully straightforward dialogue and incoherent timeline shifts.
After the alleged suicide of her priest brother, Grace travels to the remote Scottish convent where he fell to his death. Distrusting the Church's account, she uncovers murder, sacrilege and a disturbing truth about herself.
"Jena Malone brings a biting charm to her portrayal of Grace, but the story’s straightforward revelations end up feeling far too muted for the holy surroundings."
— Jude Dry
After her priest brother’s death, Grace decides to investigate its mysterious circumstances in the Scottish convent where it happened.
Consecration may not be as delightfully horrific as Smith’s previous features, but it still remains watchable with Jena Malone. It’s her performance that keeps us interested in her character, which makes up half the mystery in this film. While the contrast between her current composed ophthalmologist adulthood with her mysterious, fantastical visions are written haphazardly, Malone’s portrayal of Grace Fario pulls some terror as Grace’s confusion, anger, and determination pulls us into her journey. Better story structure and sequencing could have better showcased her talents, but her work still remains strong enough to make Consecration watchable.
Only watched this for Jena Malone, really.
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
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