Watch The Chair

The Chair, a horror movie released in 2016, is a psychological thriller that revolves around the story of Richard Sullivan (Bill Oberst Jr.), a man who has been sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit. The movie explores the dark themes of capital punishment and the psychological trauma that it inflicts on the condemned. The story of The Chair is set in a prison where Richard Sullivan has been brought for execution. He is strapped to an electric chair, and the prison warden, George (Roddy Piper), is responsible for the execution. The warden is a rigid man, who thinks that people who are sentenced to death deserve nothing but death. However, as the execution date approaches, the warden starts to have second thoughts about the whole process.

As the movie progresses, a series of flashbacks reveal Sullivan's story. We see that he was wrongly accused of murdering his wife and daughter, and despite the lack of evidence, he was sentenced to death. The movie takes us through the family's tragedy, Sullivan's wrongful conviction, and the pain and trauma that follows. The flashes of memories also reveal Sullivan's complicated relationship with his brother, Anthony (Noah Hathaway), who later becomes a significant character in the story.

The Chair explores the idea of justice in a society where people are swayed by emotion and public opinion. The death penalty is a controversial topic that raises ethical questions, and the movie highlights the inhumanity of capital punishment. The film leaves a sobering impression on the viewer, forcing one to examine their stance on the issue of the death penalty.

The acting in the film is superb, with Bill Oberst Jr giving a powerful performance as the haunted Richard Sullivan, and Roddy Piper delivering a strong portrayal of the conflicted prison warden torn between his duty and conscience. Noah Hathaway, as the younger brother, brings a touch of innocence to the proceedings, making his character all the more relatable.

The direction by Chad Ferrin is excellent, with the visuals complementing the dark themes of the movie. The use of flashbacks in non-linear sequences gives the viewer a deeper understanding of the characters and helps them connect with them better. The movie is shot mostly in a gloomy and dimly lit prison, adding to the already eerie ambiance.

One of the standout features of The Chair is its sound design. The music and sound effects are an integral part of the movie's atmosphere, and the filmmakers have used it to great effect. The use of silence, ambient noise, and sound effects, create an unnerving experience that leaves the viewer on edge throughout the film.

The Chair is not your typical horror movie, and nor is it a traditional psychological thriller. It is an intense, thought-provoking film that dives deep into the psyche of a man sentenced to death. The movie offers no easy answers to the questions it raises, and it presents the viewer with an unflinching look at the horrific realities of the death penalty.

In conclusion, The Chair is a gripping and powerful movie that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. It explores themes of justice, revenge, and redemption, presenting a nuanced examination of the death penalty. While it is not for the faint-hearted, those who enjoy thought-provoking horror movies will find The Chair a deeply satisfying watch.

The Chair is a 2017 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.