Case 39: a Horror Movie Review

Released in October 2010, here in the US, Case 39 is one of those "gotta-see-it" horror movies. Case 39 stars Renee Zellweiger as Emily Jenkins, Adrian Lester as Wayne, Ian McShane as Detective Mike Barron, Bradley Cooper as Doug, Carrie O'Malley, and Callum Keith Rennie as Margaret and Edward Sullivan, respectively. While the rest of the cast is comprised of talented, energetic, and pure, honest performers, the real star (in my eyes anyway) is young Jodelle Ferland as Lilith Sullivan, upon whom the story centers.

How Case 39 opens: The story opens on an odd scene of the character Lilith Sullivan (Ferland) telling her parents "I can see you," as they look in upon her in her bedroom, while she should be sleeping. The action then moves quickly to a scene of the character Emily Jenkins (Zellweiger) going about her work day as an over-burdened social worker, who has just been handed her 39th active case. Don't worry. The initial opening scene will make sense soon enough.

In spite of her character's protests, boss Wayne (Lester) gives her the case anyway, with the statement, "We're all overloaded. Sorry." When Jenkins first encounters Lilith, mom Margaret, and dad Edward Sullivan (O'Malley and Rennie), it seems the movie isn't going to be the sort of horror which fans are used to. If that's your guess, you're half-right. Case 39 isn't the sort of horror flick most of us are used to, but not for the reason a viewer might think, at this point.

Emily Jenkins is in for a surprise, when she takes Lilith, case number 39, into her home. Giving as little of the story line away as possible, let me just say that Case 39 is one of those rare instances wherein the ad-copy and movie description on the outside of the box, is exactly what is delivered in this fantastic horror movie. Jenkins learns the hard way there is much more to this case than meets the eye.

My opinion of Case 39: There will be no "point system" in this movie review, since nothing about Case 39 falls below five stars. The performances in this movie were highly believable, even amongst those who only had supporting roles. The movie flowed nicely, and director Christian Alvert guided the filming of this work of genius, by writer Ray Wright. The plot was engrossing, and fairly unique.

While I must admit to seeing the tiniest of elements from other stories sprinkled throughout, critics might do well to remember that nothing on Earth is both truly 100% original, and worth watching at the same time. Viewers will find their emotions twisted, pulled, and yanked about in all directions, and to the full range. A great job was done by all in Case 39, and horror fans world-wide would do well to catch this gem. Just put the kids to bed, first. Case 39 is a great horror movie, all around.

Source:
Personal experience
IMDb.com "Case 39" details