It is said that “a mother’s love knows no bounds,” well Son puts this theory to the test. Psychological limits are tested, and we see just how far one mom is willing to go to save her son, despite the horrifying consequences. The dark twisted atmosphere was elevated by the stand-out cast. It lacked the extra oomph I was hoping for, but the film as a whole was engaging and worthwhile. 

Young David (Luke David Blumm) has contracted a mysterious illness. Much to the dismay of his mother Laura (Andi Matichak), he is slipping away from her. She must confront her horrifying past and decide exactly just how far she is willing to go to save her son and save him terrifying forces long forgotten. 

Son’s greatest feature is Matichak. Her performance as Laura was stellar and she does an excellent job of appearing as a distraught/caring mother without coming off as completely annoying (which happens so easily in horror films). She draws out sympathy from the audience as she deals with the impossible task of caring for her violently sick child while being forced to revisit the most traumatic years of her life. Her maternal grief is overwhelming and she perfectly personifies the idea that a mother would do anything for her child in their time of need. 

Special recognition should also be given to Blumm for his role as David. Oscillating between sweet and sick is no easy task but Blumm was up for the challenge. Occasionally his sugary sweet demeanor felt artificial but that may just add to the creep factor for Son overall. Hirsh also gives a convincing and dynamic (yet subtle) performance as sympathetic detective Paul. 

My favorite element of Son’s storyline was the introduction of the idea that none of what is happening is real but rather a result of Laura’s childhood trauma and surfacing as a psychotic episode. This puts a unique spin on the story and adds an interesting layer to the plot that keeps audiences guessing. However, I would have liked to have seen more of the cult storyline woven into the story. We are teased with flashbacks and newspaper clippings, but that’s really all we ever get. Son is largely focused on Laura, David, and what Laura is willing to do to save him which fulfills the story’s promise, I just found the cult side story to be particularly engaging and feel that it would have given Son more of a horror vibe than was present in the film. 

Son is dark and atmospheric. It trades in jump scares for a tense atmosphere that rarely lets up. The pacing is solid throughout the film despite a spotty beginning. But once David’s illness really takes hold of him, Son takes off and never rests until the credits start to roll.

The film’s end may not be the zesty and dramatic conclusion audiences hope for, but it is solid, ominous, and certainly leaves a dark impression. Son is a dark film with heavy themes, strong acting, and beautiful cinematography. The film is not revolutionary, but it is definitely a piece that is worth your time. 

6 out of 10