Watch Absentia

Absentia is a 2011 horror movie directed and written by Mike Flanagan. The movie stars Katie Parker, Courtney Bell, and Dave Levine in lead roles. The film tells the story of two sisters, Tricia (Courtney Bell) and Callie (Katie Parker), who reconnect after being estranged for several years. Tricia's husband has been missing for the past seven years, and she is preparing to declare him dead in absentia.

Absentia is a slow-burn horror movie that takes its time building tension and exploring its themes of loss, grief, and the inexplicable. It is a movie that is less about jump scares and more about leaving the audience with a sense of unease and discomfort. The movie is shot on a low budget, and the production values are not always up to par, but the direction and writing are tight and well-executed, making up for any shortcomings in the technical aspects.

The film opens with Tricia moving into a new apartment near a mysterious tunnel. She is pregnant, and her sister Callie comes to stay with her to help her with the move. Callie is a recovering drug addict, and she has been sober for over six months. The two sisters have a strained relationship, and it is clear that they have a lot of unresolved issues between them. Tricia has been receiving strange visions and nightmares, and she is struggling to come to terms with the possible death of her husband.

As the movie progresses, it becomes apparent that something sinister is at work in the tunnel. Callie begins to see a strange figure lurking in the shadows, and Tricia's visions become more frequent and vivid. The tension builds slowly but surely as the audience is left wondering what is happening and what is real. The movie explores themes of loss and grief, and it is an eerie and unsettling ride from start to finish.

Katie Parker and Courtney Bell deliver standout performances as the two sisters. They have a natural chemistry that makes their relationship feel authentic and grounded in reality. Their performances are grounded, and they provide a much-needed emotional core to the movie. Dave Levine also delivers a strong performance in a small role as a detective investigating Tricia's husband's disappearance.

The movie's pacing is deliberate, and it may frustrate some viewers who are looking for an immediate payoff. However, those who are patient will be rewarded with a tense and atmospheric horror movie that lingers long after the credits have rolled. The film's low budget and limited resources are evident in places, but director Mike Flanagan makes up for it with his direction and vision.

Visually, the movie is beautiful, with moody lighting and impressive camera work that enhances the movie's eerie tone. The movie's music also deserves special mention, with composer Nathan Whitehead delivering a haunting score that perfectly complements the movie's themes and visuals.

The movie's ending is open to interpretation and may leave some viewers disappointed. However, it is a fitting conclusion to a movie that is more interested in exploring its themes than providing easy answers. The movie is a thoughtful and well-crafted horror movie that deserves to be seen by fans of the genre.

In conclusion, Absentia is a slow-burn horror movie that delivers on its promise to be eerie and unsettling. It is a movie that explores themes of loss, grief, and the inexplicable, and it does so with a thoughtful and well-crafted approach. Katie Parker and Courtney Bell deliver standout performances as the two sisters, and director Mike Flanagan's vision shines through despite the movie's limited resources. The movie may not be for everyone, but those who are patient will be rewarded with a tense and atmospheric horror movie that lingers long after the credits have rolled.

Absentia is a 2012 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.