Horror Review: Shutter Island (2010)
July 25, 2010 Horror Reviews, Movie Review, Reviews
Set in 1954, this thriller follows a couple of US Marshals as they investigate the disappearance of someone from an institute for the criminally insane. That’s how the film is generally described. I’m not sure it’s quite accurate. Yes, a couple of US Marshals are investigating a disappearance, but I’m not sure it’s really a thriller.
The movie starts off slow. Really slow. So slow that if it weren’t for me quest to watch every horror/thriller I could get my hands on, I probably would have stopped and put aside for another night, when I was in the mood for something a little slower. I jumped into the movie looking for the kind of excitement, edge of the seat thrill ride that I’ve generally expected from thrillers. Although that showed up eventually, it wasn’t until we were over half-way through the film. I’d slate this as more of a mystery movie, as it very much plays out like Columbo
Another thing I enjoyed about this movie: the complete lack of unrealistic special effects. By leaving out any special effects, the whole thing seems a lot more realistic. There’s less “wow” and more “huh” as you experience this movie, which is a fantastic route to go, especially for a gritty mystery movie.
If you haven’t read anything about the movie, you’ll enjoy it if you go in expecting a mystery movie or a slow-build thriller. If you go in expecting a quick thrill, you’ll be disappointed. If you go in expecting the twist, you’ll know the twist off the top and won’t be able to enjoy the movie for what it is: a fun ride.
Three and a half skulls (out of five)
