Watch Shiver

Shiver is a 2003 horror-thriller film from Hong Kong, directed by Kelvin Tong and starring Francis Ng, Athena Chu and Nick Cheung. The movie revolves around Esther (Athena Chu), a woman who returns to her family home in Singapore after her sister's reported suicide. Soon, Esther begins to experience strange and terrifying paranormal occurrences, as she learns more about the mysterious and traumatic past of her family.

The film begins with Esther returning home after receiving news of her sister's death. The family is confused and devastated by this suicide, and the reasons behind the event are unclear. Esther begins to experience strange occurrences and unusual sounds in the house almost immediately, feeling unnerved and afraid. The viewers are given glimpses of a dark and disturbing past, where Esther's grandfather led a cult that practiced demonic rituals, with her family members as members of the cult.

As Esther and her niece Ming Ming (played by Joanne Peh) delve deeper into the mystery, they discover that the past is catching up with them in deadly ways. Francis Ng plays a psychiatrist who tries to help Esther, but as he delves deeper into her family's history, he realizes she is up against an ancient and insidious evil.

The movie uses a number of scare tactics such as the traditional jump scare, along with eerie sound effects to create a chilling atmosphere. The old family home where it is set is used to great advantage, with numerous rooms and corridors used to build tension.

The movie is visually pleasing, with some stunning cinematography as well as picturesque settings. The set designs are intricate, with a lavish attention to detail. The sound direction and the film's score create terrifying effects, leaving the audience on edge for the majority of the runtime.

One of the key factors of Shiver is its ability to build characters the audience can care about. Athena Chu's portrayal of Esther is especially notable, with a nuanced and emotional performance that helps to ground the film in a base of reality. Given the paranormal and supernatural nature of the movie, the performances are realistic and believable.

Another aspect of the film that stands out is its reluctance to rely on cheap jump scares, but instead focusses on a slow-burning and unsettling atmosphere. There is a palpable sense of dread throughout the entire runtime, which works to great effect in immersing the audience in the story.

Overall, Shiver is a masterfully crafted horror movie, that manages to mix style with substance. The film is noted for its strong performances, its creepy and unsettling atmosphere, and its intelligent use of horror tactics to keep audiences on edge. If you're looking to get your adrenaline pumping and your skin crawling, Shiver is definitely worth watching.