Reviews: The Special (2020) Movie Review
- Related: [ Movie Details for The Special ]
Subgenres: Killer, Love Sick, Psychological
Our honest review of The Special (2020) breaks down its scares, pacing, and whether this horror movie truly stands the test of time.
The Special is a psychological horror film with a disturbing body horror twist, following Jerry (Davy Raphaely), a man who becomes obsessed with an unusual pleasure-seeking experience. After being introduced to "The Special" by his friend, Jerry spirals into an uncontrollable addiction that warps his mind and body.
The Special (2020) – A Twisted, Unsettling Body Horror Experience
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The film leans into themes of obsession, addiction, and the dangers of unchecked desires. While the premise is unique and unsettling, the character development is somewhat shallow. Jerry’s descent into madness is intriguing, but his motivations and emotional depth feel underdeveloped. The supporting characters serve mainly as plot devices rather than fully realized individuals, which weakens the film’s emotional impact.
Acting and Cinematography
Davy Raphaely delivers a solid performance as the increasingly disturbed protagonist. His portrayal of addiction-induced paranoia and desperation is convincing, though some scenes veer into overacting. The supporting cast, including Sarah French and Dave Sheridan, provide serviceable performances, but they lack depth due to the script’s limitations.
Visually, The Special embraces a gritty, low-budget aesthetic that works well for its eerie atmosphere. The practical effects and body horror sequences are unsettling, though some CGI elements look unpolished. The cinematography effectively captures the claustrophobic nature of Jerry’s obsession, making the viewer feel trapped in his descent into madness.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Director B. Harrison Smith takes a bold approach with a slow-burn psychological horror that transforms into grotesque body horror. The buildup is effective, keeping audiences intrigued about the mystery behind "The Special." However, the film struggles with pacing, particularly in the second half, where the narrative becomes repetitive.
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to create unease through implication rather than excessive gore. However, the script lacks refinement, leading to some predictable or awkward moments. The ending, while shocking, may leave some viewers frustrated rather than satisfied.
Final Verdict & Score: 5/10
The Special is a disturbing and unique horror film that successfully builds tension but falls short in character depth and storytelling execution. While its body horror elements are memorable, the film’s pacing and script weaknesses prevent it from being truly exceptional.
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 Special Rating Scores
- Our Score: 5/10
- Overall Score: 5.00/10
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