The Front Room – REVIEW

Brandy Norwood in The Front Room

Is there such a thing for nepotism going to your siblings? The Eggers Brothers, Sam and Max, have their debut feature project on their hands. If you recognize that last name, you’ve definitely seen it. Their brother, Robert Eggers, is a much more well-known filmmaker, who recently directed Nosferatu. Sam even co-wrote my personal favorite Eggers film, The Lighthouse. The duo of Sam and Max got a theatrical release for their debut project this past fall from A24, where Robert got his start with The Witch and The Lighthouse. The Front Room is no The Witch. Just getting right to the point with this one, this was just bad. This follows an expecting mother, played by Brandy in her first horror movie role since I Still Know What You Did Last Summer in 1998, who takes in her ill mother-in-law after the death of her husband’s father. There’s really only one criticism I have with The Front Room, but it’s one that cuts deep: I’m not entirely sure if this is supposed to be a comedy. I was so confused by this that I went and watched the trailer after I finished the movie, and it was marketed as a full-on, A24 horror movie (whatever that means now). The only bright spot here is Kathryn Hunter, who plays the mother-in-law Solange, and she just goes for how gross and racist she is. It’s very funny and I know that she’s supposed to be funny, albeit laughing at what offensive thing Solange will say next. Everything else, though, is just abysmal. I don’t even want to waste any time on it, so just don’t even bother with The Front Room. I’m finishing up this article a few days after I’ve seen it, and I’ve already forgotten about it. Don’t waste 90 minutes of your life and go take a walk instead. Pet a dog, hug your partner and children if you have them, cherish the time you have.


Ryan’s Grade: D