BRIGHTBURN (2019)

Directed By: David Yarovesky 
Written By: James Gunn & Brian Gunn 
Cinematography: Michael Dellatorre 
Editor: Andrew S. Eisen & Peter Gvozdas 


Cast: Jackson A. Dunn, Elizabeth Banks, David Denman, Meredith Hagner, Matt Jones, Becky Wahlstrom Steve Agee, Emmie Hunter 


What if a child from another world crash-landed on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero to mankind, he proved to be something far more sinister? This film seems to be more about the origin of a supevillian by a kind of reverse morals of Superman. That entices the audience and could have been really strong and powerful, but instead goes more as a fantasy horror film.


This story could be a meditation on puberty. how the Body changes and children seem to be possessed or somehow act different.Not themselves acting strangely also growing getting stronger and have a high opinion about themselves. Not to mention outspoken in their beliefs which are always right in their view. Unfeeling, unemotional, rude and demanding. Yet act out of emotion more. 

Which the film hints at early. As he is more compelled then necessarily naturally doing it. Then later in the movie he just seems evil. It also seems to be a time where you are on the cusp of maturity and setting the seeds for the type of person you will be. With this film, You get a superhero movie with horror movie influences and death scenes.

The movie Never slows down enough to really feel anything or take anything into your mind to experience it. Thing more just happen systematically as the story demands it.

The film can Easily be explained as an evil Superman origin story. Though that is how it plays you still hope for more out of it. Especially with more and note complex superhero and villain movies.

It makes up for what it lacks, in gruesome gore and special effects. They again isn’t only covering up what is wrong rather then fixing it. It’s what really raises the film from it’s simple original conceit. Is more the human drama that is relegated to the background but is really the main interesting material. As the rest is watching basically a super powered horror film. Where the thrills are the kills and the shock is that it’s a child.

The film Builds up suspense in it’s rural open spaced surroundings. Yet it still feels glossy and a little too slick. The characters practically announce themselves as ready victims.

It all Happens so quick also or feels rushed and boring as nothing is allowed to take affect or be pondered and examined. Elizabeth banks hair stays perfect throughout. She gives an earnest performance. As she more then anyone ends up being the heart of the film. Even as the film proves to be Heartless all around..

You Can see how they could have made it a franchise. though by the end make it seem like he will just be menace for no real reason. The sequels could have kept the premise going and offered who can stop him. As this film hints at his weakness.

The film Goes by so quickly. That it’s hard to build mythology but maybe that is the main point. So the this could be expanded on in the future.

The ending kind of subverts expectations. Though predictable. There is a ton of potential for future films but it didn’t make as much at the box office as expected. Though it is fine as a one off. Only wish bad a one off had the filmmakers known in advance could have made it a bit more nuanced.

As if there is one of him, there must be more. Also more of an explanation of where he is from. As At first it seems he is more compelled by a force then the film seems to decide no he Is just evil. So that at first it seems an original premise on what is popular. Though eventually shows itself as interested more in entertainment only.

Grade: C