Based on a short story by the king of horror, Stephen King, ‘The Boogeyman’ tells the story of Sadie Harper (Sophie Thatcher) and her younger sister, Sawyer (Vivien Lyra Blair), who are grieving the loss of their mother. Their father (Chris Messina), who is a therapist and dealing with his own agony, hosts therapist sessions at his home. Things begin to go wrong when a stranger randomly appears at his office, seeking help, which then also brings along a world of the supernatural, and the one and only Boogeyman. Sadie, Sawyer, and their dad must come together to face the spine-chilling force.

Directed by Rob Savage, ‘The Boogeyman’ goes beyond jump scares and a big terror story. Savage tells a story of loss, coping, and survival. Savage clever idea to use Stephen King’s short story to attract the audience to see what’s beyond darkness is brilliant. Savage uses the ‘boogeyman’ as a tool for the film’s characters to find themselves once again after the loss of a loved one. Savage also uses the power of imagination to support fear. Although some of the jump scares were predictable and what feels like déjà vu (something we have already seen) due to camera angles and lighting, the overall purpose of these characters overcome the weak scares the film offers due to the film’s metaphors. At the beginning of the film, the plot felt questionable and confusing, making it hard to know what was important here, but as soon as things begin to fall into place, and you see the Boogeyman for the first time, the story feels important and clever. The only problem viewers might have while watching is some of the decisions characters make to survive. It comes more as a “Yikes” or “oh Really?, but why?”.

The film also feels like one tone, but that’s not a problem here, as most Stephen King’s film adaptions have a similar way to approach horror and make the viewer rethink the definition of fear. Stand-outs include both Sophie Thatcher and Vivien Lyra Blair. They carry the film very well, showcasing a chemistry that feels raw and noteworthy. Thatcher’s talent is exemplary when she has the camera to herself. Her expressions are distinguished, making it easy to connect. She definitely has the chops to become the next IT girl.

‘The Boogeyman’ goes beyond horror, it presents a story that shows a devastating loss, forgiveness, fight, and survival. It’s clever as it showcases fear with one of the most terrifying creatures that have ever existed, the boogeyman. Halloween has arrived early with ‘The Boogeyman’! Do not miss it!

THE BOOGEYMAN premieres exclusively in theaters, June 2^nd.