A CURE FOR WELLNESS – Review

There’s something in the water, and this time it’s not a young girl with long black hair. Gore Verbinski (THE RING) returns to the murky depths of horror, and the result is a more of a cobbled together Frankenstein monster than a Creature from the Black Lagoon. Some might find this slow-moving creature not quite scary as it languidly lumbers forward, but the ambition of creating something unlike most big-studio horror films right now is a feat that is brilliantly mad.

An eager to please young executive (Dane DeHaan) is sent to retrieve his company’s CEO from an idyllic but mysterious “wellness center” at a remote location in the Swiss Alps. He soon suspects that the spa’s miraculous treatments are not what they seem.

A great location in a horror film can go a long way. I for one hold a special place in my black heart for sanatoriums or hospitals. They are always going to be creepy – even in the most mundane films. Verbinski explores every inch of this celadon-colored palace. The building becomes a living breathing character in the story, insomuch that it’s about as interesting to look at but lacking the sense of humanity that the other characters in the film also share.

This is of no fault to lead Dane DeHaan – an impressive actor whose range consistently surprises me. He does his best with the shallow character, while effectively taking the audience on the funhouse ride that Verbinski is more focused on. His scenes where he plays opposite Mia Goth – the daughter of the center’s general director – are quietly charming but feel like they are forced into a story where it doesn’t naturally fit (much like many other elements to the story). That being said, her journey of discovering her femininity and becoming a woman is a breath of fresh air amidst the male dominated cast and austere surroundings.

A CURE FOR WELLNESS is a zealous return to horror for Verbinski that feels like a cross between the aesthetics and execution of late 90’s David Fincher films but with a dash of 40s and 50s horror theatrics. The art direction and cinematography alone make up for the more head-scratching turns and nonsensical explanations that come later on. It’s wacky and not a particularly fun watch, but there’s something in the water that worked for me. While it may take far too long to get to where it’s going (especially when you kinda know where the threat is already), the finale will catch most off guard and will likely be too much of a stretch for some. As much as I savored the lofty approach Verbinski has taken with a major studio horror film, I’d advise those without the patience for old school thrills to tread carefully.

 
Overall score: 3 1/2 out of 5

A CURE FOR WELLNESS opens in theaters everywhere Friday, February 17th