Review of The Abandoned (2006) by Patrick E — 26 Aug 2010

Supernatural horror films are the most common type of horror film released in cinemas today. Most of these are poorly plotted film's that rely on cheap scares and loud noises to try and frighten the audience. The Abandoned makes use of these tricks too but the difference is that, although it's convoluted at times, the plot is the main focus of the film and the writers have tried to come up with an original story to frighten the audience.

An adopted Russian woman living in America travels to Russia in search of her birth parents. While there she discovers that her mother is dead and that she has received the family farm in her will. After traveling to the house, strange noises begin to happen and she comes face to face with her doppelganger. Her long lost brother also shows up and it quickly becomes apparent that something has drawn them to the house and is hell bent on not letting them leave.

There are plenty of twists and turns in the story which actually works against it as it becomes a little hard to follow in the final third. In fact we have no idea what is going on in the opening two acts which makes it very hard to get into the plot. This in turn completely takes away any frightening atmosphere that the director tries to create and cheapens the loud noise scares even more. There is much to be admired though; the house is suitably creepy, the film is very loud and intense throughout, it moves along at a swift pace and the production and effects are excellent. Sadly though it's just too hard to follow in the final third and if you aren't scared by loud noises then there is isn't much here that will frighten you. Credit must be given for trying to come up with an original story and some of it does work but too many things are left unexplained and will leave many people scratching their heads in confusion.

The Abandoned is an ambitious film that almost works but is ultimately too convoluted for its own good. Great effects, a loud soundtrack and brilliant sets all add up to a decent horror film but it should have been much better.