When it comes to ghost movies that center on the mother-child relationship, ‘Malicious’ may not be the first to come to mind, but it is another attempt to tell the story of the spirit of an unborn child. Directed by Michael Winnick and starring Josh Stewart and Bojana Novaković, the film takes us into the world of a married couple facing supernatural events after a miscarriage. Although the plot sounds interesting, the execution is full of weaknesses that make the film less memorable than it should be.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story follows Adam (Josh Stewart) and Lisa (Bojana Novaković), a married couple expecting a child, but tragedy strikes when Lisa suddenly miscarries. Soon after, they begin to experience strange occurrences in their home, from mysterious sounds and moving objects to eerie shadows that seem to be the spirit of the unborn child. The couple seeks help from Dr. Clark (Delroy Lindo), an expert in paranormal phenomena, to uncover the truth about what is haunting them.
Acting and Characters
Josh Stewart and Bojana Novaković perform adequately, but their chemistry is not quite convincing. Stewart, as the husband trying to protect his family, comes across as too stiff, while Novaković portrays grief and fear decently but lacks depth. Delroy Lindo's character, a cool exorcist, has disappointingly little screen time. Other supporting characters are hardly memorable. The film attempts to depict a crumbling marital relationship but only scratches the surface.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Michael Winnick directs with a fairly straightforward style. The cinematography and lighting in the house are used to create a gloomy atmosphere, but it is not particularly scary. Jump scares appear periodically but are mostly predictable and unimpressive. The score by Frederik Wiedmann adds some tension but is not outstanding enough to compensate for the script's weaknesses. Overall, the technical aspects are standard—neither bad nor excellent.
Editorial Analysis
‘Malicious’ has an interesting concept about the mother-child bond beyond death, but the film follows a too-familiar path, with conventional hauntings and easily guessable revelations. It tries to incorporate themes of loss and guilt but fails to develop them seriously, leaving the audience emotionally unaffected. The pacing is slow and stagnant in many parts, and while the ending has a twist, it is not surprising. Overall, the film's only strength is its core concept, but the presentation fails to make it stand out among other horror movies.
Verdict
<p>‘Malicious’ is a horror movie that can be watched for casual entertainment, but it is not a must-see. If you are a horror fan who likes the mother-child concept, you might enjoy some parts. But if you expect scares or sharp writing, this film may not satisfy. Suitable for those who want to watch a light horror movie on a free day.</p>
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Interesting core concept about mother-child bond after death
- +Decent gloomy atmosphere in the house
- +Bojana Novaković's performance conveys grief convincingly
👎 Cons
- −Repetitive script, easy to predict
- −Slow and boring pacing in many parts
- −Lack of character depth and development
Top Cast
FAQ
The film was first released in 2018.
There are some jump scares, but not very scary because the plot is easy to predict.
Currently, it is available on streaming platforms like Netflix, or for purchase/rent on various online platforms.
