Review of The Reaping (2007) by John A — 09 Sep 2008

Sometimes an interesting, if unlikely plot outline holds a fair amount of potential, but as the film descends into pure silliness you just can't believe what you're watching anymore. That is the case with 'The Reaping', a religious horror that starts as an intriguing character study but plummets into a ludicrous finale and a bag of dull and predictable cliches.

Firstly, what is Hilary Swank, two-time Best Actress Academy Award winner for her astounding and affecting performances in 'Boy's Don't Cry' and 'Million Dollar Baby' doing starring in such tripe? I have no idea. Anyway, she plays miracle-debunker Katherine, a woman who holds a tragic past and after losing her faith, seeks to prove science-over-religion, every time. Unfortunately for her a small, well-hidden town in Louisanna is experiencing a re-birth of the Ten Plagues of Ancient Egypt. And science is not the answer.

Initially I liked 'The Reaping'. The director exuded atmosphere from the traditionally creepy surroundings and focused on this traumatised woman coming to terms with a haunting past. It had genuine jolts and held meaning waiting to be unearthed. So why did the director decide to cash in on the same old tired formula?

Back to those cliches. We have the little scary girl who has a 'shocking' past of her own that desperately needs resolve, psyhic crayon drawings and dreams that offer insight with no plausible explanation, plus that isolated location no journalists ever stumble upon. And as for the depiction of the plagues - well, they were more effectively and fearfully portrayed in the animated 'Prince of Egypt'.

The final half hour of the picture is almost laughable. The twists and turns are merely plot contrivances that are hardly difficult to forsee, and the director's attempts at an explosive, ever-so-scary finale doesn't elevate beyond mildly amusing. I wanted to know more than a story behind Katherine's past, and it is frustrating seeing picture potential go to waste. I know it is just a horror film, but that doesn't mean characters can't be real!

So if you want a chilling and frightening cinema experience, avoid 'The Reaping' at all costs. You might see the promise, but trust me, it doesn't deliver.