Reviews: The Empty Man (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Crime
Subgenres: Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Cult, Police, Religion
Horror fans searching for a breakdown of The Empty Man (2020) will find our review covers the plot, themes, and the shocking ending everyone talks about.
The Empty Man (2020) is a psychological horror-thriller that blends urban legend, supernatural terror, and cult mystery. Directed by David Prior, the film follows ex-cop James Lasombra (James Badge Dale), who investigates the disappearance of a young girl, only to uncover a sinister cult tied to an entity known as “The Empty Man.” What starts as a missing persons case soon spirals into an eerie descent into madness, paranoia, and existential horror.
The Empty Man (2020) – A Chilling Slow-Burn Cult Horror
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The film explores themes of nihilism, belief, and the power of suggestion. It questions reality and the limits of human perception, offering a layered narrative that gradually unravels into something far more disturbing than typical supernatural horror. While the slow-burn storytelling allows for a deeply atmospheric buildup, it may test the patience of viewers expecting a more conventional horror experience.
Acting and Cinematography
James Badge Dale delivers a compelling performance as James Lasombra, bringing a sense of world-weariness and skepticism that makes him a relatable protagonist. His slow descent into fear and paranoia is handled well, adding depth to a character that could have been one-dimensional in lesser hands.
Visually, The Empty Man excels with haunting cinematography and immersive sound design. The opening sequence—a nearly 20-minute prologue set in the snowy mountains of Bhutan—feels like a self-contained horror film that sets an eerie, dread-filled tone. The film uses shadowy lighting, eerie framing, and unsettling imagery to create a sense of isolation and impending doom.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
David Prior’s direction is ambitious, crafting a horror story that is more cerebral than the average supernatural thriller. His storytelling demands patience, rewarding viewers who appreciate slow-building tension over jump-scare-driven horror.
Strengths:
- Atmospheric storytelling – The film builds tension through dread and existential horror rather than cheap scares.
- Engaging lead performance – James Badge Dale carries the film well, adding realism to an otherwise surreal story.
- Strong cinematography – The film uses shadow and framing effectively to create unease.
- Complex, layered mystery – The plot offers more depth than standard horror fare, tying into themes of cult mentality and supernatural paranoia.
Weaknesses:
- Slow pacing – The film’s long runtime (137 minutes) may feel excessive, especially for mainstream horror audiences.
- Confusing third act – The final twists may not land for everyone, as the film leans heavily into existential horror.
- Underexplored supporting characters – Some characters feel like plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.
- Marketing misrepresentation – The trailer suggested a Slender Man-style horror, but the actual film is a more complex, slow-burning psychological thriller.
Final Verdict: 6/10
The Empty Man is a bold, ambitious horror film that offers more depth than its marketing suggests. While it may not satisfy those looking for traditional horror thrills, it excels in atmosphere, mystery, and psychological unease. A hidden gem for those who appreciate slow-burn horror with deeper existential themes.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Empty Man Rating Scores
- Our Score: 6/10
- Overall Score: 6.49/10
- IMDB: 6.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 7.3/10
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