Director: Dan Berk & Robert Olsen
Cast: Maika Monroe, Jake Lacy, Matthew Yang King
Review Author: Tony
Synopsis: A young couple, Harry and Ruth, embark on a remote hiking trip through the Pacific Northwest as a romantic getaway. Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they witness a number of strange phenomena which begins to unravel their relationship and sanity.
Streaming movies have become the new haven for mid-budget science fiction and horror films, a trend that’s been both a blessing and a curse. The once-popular cinema slots for these genre films have mostly vanished, and while streaming services have picked up the slack the quality of these films tends to be a mixed bag. While the likes of Netflix have no qualms when it comes to greenlighting these types of films with an interest set up, they also get buried quickly due to their conveyor belt approach to releasing films. this leaves viewers to sift through a sea of streaming content, much of which is, frankly, utter tripe. “Significant Other” is one of the rare times where the quality of the filmmaking matches the script and concept behind the film.
“Significant Other” offers a refreshing take on the doppelganger trope, a concept that’s been done often but rarely with such a clever twist. The film plays against audience expectations, subverting the usual beats and delivering something that feels fresh and engaging. It’s not often that a streaming sci-fi film manages to surprise, but this one does so with aplomb. The story revolves around a couple, Ruth (Maika Monroe) and Harry (Jake Lacey), who venture into the woods for a camping trip. What begins as a peaceful retreat quickly devolves into a suspenseful nightmare as a series of strange events and encounters shakes their trust in one another and leaves the viewer guessing who is really acting out of character.
Maika Monroe continues to prove herself as a formidable presence in the horror genre. Her performance is yet another testament to her talent, bringing depth and nuance to a role that has to carry the majority of the movies runtime. Monroe has a knack for portraying vulnerability and strength simultaneously, which she utilizes effectively in “Significant Other.” Her character, Ruth, is complex and layered, dealing with personal demons but ruthless when the situation calls for it. However, it’s Jake Lacey who truly steals the show. He manages to blend menace and humor seamlessly, creating a character that is as unsettling as he is entertaining.
While the first half of “Significant Other” is gripping and full of promise, the second half doesn’t quite maintain the same momentum. It could have benefited from more excitement, perhaps through an increased body count or more science fiction shenanigans. The film sets up an intriguing premise and dynamic, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on the potential chaos and intensity that could have ensued. This slight dip in energy me wanting more from the climax. There’s a sense that the film holds back just when it should be pushing the boundaries further, which is a bit of a letdown considering the strong start.
Despite this, “Significant Other” remains a solid science fiction film, buoyed by two entertaining leads who deliver standout performances. In the crowded realm of streaming, it stands out as one of the better offerings, a reminder that there are still creative and well-executed stories to be found amidst the mediocrity. The film’s willingness to take risks with its narrative and characters is commendable, even if it doesn’t fully stick the landing in the latter half.
Rating:
Timely Panic Attacks
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