Cub review: THN reviews the horror film which arrives in selected UK cinemas from Friday 31st July.
Cub review
Children in horror films can go one of two ways – they either work really well or fail miserably. Belgium film Cub (originally Welp) manages to work very effectively. For once the kids aren’t just the hapless victims that the protagonist has to protect, instead they themselves are the protagonists. They also aren’t untouchable when it comes to harm, instead Jonas Govaerts crosses the taboo line and has a fair few of the children slaughtered.
Now this of course won’t settle right with a few audience members, but please bare in mind that it’s only pretend. I can’t help but feel that were the film to be viewed by an audience the same age as our main character Sam, (which due to the graphic nature of the film I’m not) they would love it, finally having a scary film that they can relate to.
The taboo is also skirted slightly as the ‘big bad’, Kai, is also a child; as with Battle Royale, we’ve got kids stalking kids. Though there’s no Hollywood happy ending here, rather the ending is ambiguous, unsettling and as dark as the midnight sky.
Go further: Watch the trailer for upcoming horror, Cub – Makes you think twice about going into the woods
[Cub review continues below]
Our hero Sam is a complex and misunderstood child, with his back story never fully explained. The lack of exposition aids in creating a believable world. Let’s face it, who really sits around explaining everything that’s happening in their day to day life? The mystery of Sam’s history and differing relationships with his scout leaders Kris and Peter keeps viewers engaged and it’s much more interesting to have something eluded to rather than spelt out. Luijten does a sterling job at getting the audience on side with him, finally we’ve got a film child who, though a bit of a dreamer, is also quite pragmatic and very strong. Maurice Luijten also bears more than a passing resemblance to the late River Pheonix circa Stand by Me and is deft at channelling various emotions, proving that the comparison is more than just skin deep.
Cub review
Cub is just as much about Kai as it is Sam, and could be read as an origin tale for a character such as Jason, Leatherface or Michael Myers. However, as a fan of Guardians of the Galaxy I’m not too sure about Kai’s Groot-esque choice of mask.
The visuals, editing and sound design all combine to leave the viewer in an almost constant state of unease. An attack on the nerves could come at any moment, be that via an unexpected jump scare, a sudden shrill sound, or something lurking in the background of a frame. It’s not all doom and gloom though, there are a few moments of comedy to help break the tension; one juxtaposition of a rather plump policeman riding a rather small motorcycle will definitely get you smiling.
Cub is not your average horror film, reaching depths not previously visited in the genre. It could be seen to many as an origin tale of the likes of Jason and Michael Myers, making it a must for genre fans. Who cares if it isn’t in English, you don’t need words to pull off an authentic scare. It’s the ultimate scary camp fire tale; be prepared for nightmares.
Cub review by Kat Smith, July 2015
Cub is released in cinemas and on VOD platforms on Friday 31st July, before becoming available on DVD on 3rd August.
