After two decades, R&B songstress Brandy returns to the horror genre, toplining A24's "The Front Room." Max and Sam Eggers write and direct the film, which is an adaptation of Susan Hill's short story with the same title.
College professor Belinda (Brandy) and her lawyer husband Norman (Andrew Burnap) are overly excited about the impending birth of their new baby. However, when Norman's father unexpectedly passes away, they find out about a last wish in his will. Norman's father wanted him to take in and care for his elderly and estranged stepmother, Solange (Kathryn Hunter).
Due to his childhood, Norman is against the idea, but when the devoutly religious Solange offers the couple her large inheritance for allowing her to stay with them, Norman gets on board with the idea. Belinda tries her best to be an understanding daughter-in-law. However, Belinda soon discovers that Solange's beliefs verge on the cult-like, as she asserts that the Holy Spirit frequently possesses her.
This revelation sets off a chain reaction, resulting in a significant power struggle between the overwhelmed young mother and her overbearing elderly mother-in-law. The implications of this conflict extend beyond their personal dynamic; it poses serious consequences for their newborn child, the family unit as a whole, and their mental well-being.
Films featuring a formidable mother-in-law often rely heavily on the actress's performance portraying this antagonistic role. Fortunately, theater veteran Kathryn Hunter profoundly understands her character's nuances and delivers an outstanding performance. In the hands of a less skilled actress, this role could have veered into unintentional campiness.
With an accomplished performer like Kathryn Hunter, Solange emerges as an oppressive and authoritarian figure who adeptly manipulates Norman while challenging Belinda. The actress skillfully navigates between being domineering and vulnerable, seamlessly transitioning from moments of intense seriousness to comedy with remarkable ease. Outside of saying there are some gross-out moments, I won't spoil some of the things that Solange subjects to the couple, too, but just be prepared.
Brandy does well as our protagonist, initially projecting the girl next door vibe we came to know her as, who is now a mature woman. She gives Belinda some layers, going from understanding to fed up, and we are right there rooting for her. Andrew Burnap doesn't have much to do outside of being a naive husband, but that may have been the director's intent.
I want to point out that "The Front Room" isn't scary in the traditional sense, so if you're expecting jump scares, you may be let down, and while the film does hail from A24, it doesn't lean into elevated horror either. If I had to use a genre to describe the movie, it's a psychological thriller with dark comedy elements. If I had one gripe about the film, there were a few unexplained moments involving Solange, but I was having so much fun with the audience that I could let it slide.
Cinephiles are already aware that the writer and directors are the younger brothers of Robert Eggers, who have already made a name for themselves with his impressive filmography. After seeing "The Front Room," it's clear that talent runs in the family.
Final Grade: B
"The Front Room" opens in theaters today.
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