‘They Remain’ Is A Bad Shroom Trip [Run It Back Review]
Existentialism and horror often go hand in hand. This makes sense because nothing is scarier than existing on this floating rock. So, films like We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, Annihilation, and even Skinamarink will always find an audience because they strike a chord. However, much like human existence, these movies are often confusing mood killers. These titles often leave viewers confused as they are forced to really sit with what they saw and try to make sense of it all. Audiences struggle with applying words like “like” and “enjoy” to these types of oddities. They Remain fits this category and puts you in this same headspace. Which is probably a huge reason Rotten Tomatoes is stuck at 59%.
They Remain finds two scientists, Keith (William Jackson Harper) and Jessica (Rebecca Henderson), working in a remote area. They are investigating unnatural animal behavior at the base of an infamous cult’s compound. However, their research hits snags the deeper they dig. They are plagued with equipment failure, strange dreams, paranoia, and the uncontrollable urge to fornicate. The movie is based on -30- by Laird Barron, so if you’re vaguely familiar with his books, you know what kind of odd party this is.
Director-writer Philip Gelatt does not seem interested in making something for audiences to consume while eating their movie snacks. Gelatt is more focused on celebrating the five puzzles in a trench coat that is They Remain, which is frustrating because, like all existential horror, it’s not forthright in telling audiences what it hopes to accomplish. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but it feels like this movie is trying to have its weird cake and eat it with supernatural cutlery, too.
Where They Remain falters is that it relies on atmosphere to stretch a straightforward story past its breaking point. This movie would have been an excellent short, but is instead a pretty, albeit pretentious, feature that waits too long to really grab its audience. By the time it starts to cash in on all of the creeping dread, the movie is over. I love a little ambiguity, and expect it from this type of story. However, They Remain quickly becomes a lot of vibes and hints of ideas. This results in a cool ending and has a lot of room for interpretation, but it doesn’t feel completely earned.
With all the gripes and wondering what it was all for, I still think They Remain is worth a watch. Mostly because Harper and Henderson churn out some really excellent performances amid the mess. However you feel about the movie, you have to admit the acting is worth the journey. Harper and Henderson are a compelling duo even before their characters begin to spiral. Both actors rarely get leading roles in horror, so it was nice to see them anchor a film, even if it’s not my favorite movie.
It’s also so cool to see Harper as a lead in a genre film. While he’s a great supporting actor, he deserves more chances to showcase everything he’s capable of. More importantly, we’re still not getting enough existential horror with Black leads. So, They Remain also earns cool points for not being another project about white people wandering around in the woods. A trend that is becoming my least favorite subgenre.
They Remain is a mixed bag, but it’s better than the bulk of the reviews would have you believe. The movie is best described as an uncomfortable shroom trip that is not going to deter you from doing shrooms again. You might be a little annoyed, you might feel like it wasn’t worth it afterwards. However, you need to do it again because the colors were pretty, and you think you might have had some fun. Be sure to drink plenty of water and turn your phone off when you take this ride.
They Remain is currently available for free on Fandango at Home and Plex.
Have you seen They Remain? Then let me know what you think about it on Bluesky.
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They Remain
Summary
The movie is best described as an uncomfortable shroom trip that is not going to deter you from doing shrooms again.
Categorized: Reviews
