Watch The Harrowing

The Harrowing, a 2017 horror-thriller film directed by Jon Keeyes, delivers an unsettling story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film stars Matthew Tompkins as Ryan, a troubled detective who is forced to confront the demons of his past while investigating a grisly murder at a mental institution. Ryan is sent to the remote mental institution, Meadowlark, to investigate the death of a patient named Daniel. The circumstances surrounding Daniel's death are unclear, and Ryan quickly realizes that the staff and patients are hiding something. Ryan's investigation is complicated by the fact that he begins experiencing terrifying hallucinations that blur the lines between reality and his tortured past.

As Ryan follows the trail of clues, he begins to unravel a conspiracy that reaches much deeper than Daniel's death. He discovers that the staff at Meadowlark are using extreme methods to treat their patients, and that the line between therapy and experimentation is often blurred.

The film is anchored by the exceptional performance of Matthew Tompkins as Ryan. His portrayal of a man struggling with inner demons gives the character depth and nuance, and provides a strong anchor for the film's unsettling themes. Tompkins is well-supported by an impressive cast that includes Arnold Vosloo as Dr. Franklin Whitney, the head psychiatrist at Meadowlark, and Michael Ironside as Cooper, one of the institution's more dangerous patients.

The Harrowing is a strong entry in the horror-thriller genre, delivering a potent mix of suspense, gore, and psychological horror. The film includes some truly spine-tingling moments, and the tension is masterfully crafted throughout. The cinematography and score both contribute to the film's atmospheric sense of dread, and the direction is confident and assured.

While the film does feature some classic horror elements, such as jump scares, it does not rely solely on these tropes to create tension. Instead, the film's true horror comes from the depths of human depravity that are hinted at throughout. The film explores themes of mental illness, abuse of power, and the limits of what we are willing to do in the pursuit of scientific progress.

Overall, The Harrowing is a gripping and well-crafted horror-thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. The film is elevated by strong performances and a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. The Harrowing is a masterclass in horror filmmaking, and is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Harrowing is a 2018 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.1.