Christine (Eva Green) has everything at the beginning of the new, socially conscious horror film, NOCEBO. She is a successful children’s fashion designer, she has a loving husband in Felix (Mark Strong), and an adorable child in Bobs (Billie Gadsdon). Yet this placid lifestyle comes at a price. The question is, “who’s paying?” Screenwriter Garret Shanley coupled with director Lorcan Finnegan delivers a solid story that struggles with supernatural nuance while still managing to be entertaining and meaningful. The mystery is delicious but it gives way to literal imagery before conceding a moderately satisfying conclusion.

As mentioned Christine has everything. That is until a fateful phone call interrupts one of her runway shows. Devastated, Christine recoils into her posh home to convalesce with the assistance of medications and privilege. Soon enough Diana (Chai Fonacier) arrives at the doorstep to offer housekeeping assistance. Desperate, and at the surprise of her husband, Christine welcomes Diana into the home for help. At first resistant, even Bobs falls for Diana’s charming ways. Things are going so well that Diana even offers Filipino remedies for the many mental and physical struggles that Christine seems to be enduring.

Of course, we know there is a bit more at play here. Everything is just fine until it isn’t. We learn a bit more about the call Christine received at the beginning of the film. We also learn more about Diana. Spoiler alert: none of it is all that pretty. The two women must confront and heal despite the wounds endured. While Christine unravels her own mental miasma, Diana offers comfort while invading the home by befriending  Diana’s daughter and usurping her husband Felix.

Credit must be handed to Eva Green, whose towering and fearless performance shines. Green’s Christine is our anchor and our conscience throughout the film and it is a tightrope that she balances well. She is equaled by Fonacier‘s turn as Diana who viciously pursues her goals while never losing the audience’s sympathy. Of course, recognition must be given to Gadsdon as Bobs who turns out a sincere, believable performance as a child facing dueling loyalties.

NOCEBO is a worthwhile horror film. Its heart is in the exact right place, yet the execution lacks a  certain je ne sais quoi. Director Finnegan has no problem establishing the more literal elements of the story but he falters when things become metaphorical. Misgivings aside, NOCEBO is a worthy watch. This is a horror film that fully gets the utility of horror as a means of catharsis. Horrors invade nearly every aspect of our lives.  Ignoring the effect that our existence might have on others is the ultimate act of selfishness. NOCEBO delivers an earnest, if not consistent exploration of the nasty realities of the modern economic hierarchy.

In short, go for the horror. Stay for the message.

6 Out Of 10