The Front Room [Movie Review]

The Front Room [Movie Review] | When I first saw the trailer, I knew that I had to watch this one when it drops. 

I am happy to see that Brandy is back on the silver screen. 

SYNOPSIS

The Front Room (2024) Trivia

• Starring: Brandy, Andrew Burnap, Neal Huff & Kathryn Hunter

• Director: Max Eggers & Sam Eggers
• Producer: Babak Anvari, Lucan Toh, David Hinojosa & Julia Oh
• Production Company: Two & Two Pictures & 2AM

• Distributed by: A24

• Release date: September 6, 2024

• Running time: 95 minutes

• Rating: Mature Adult

• Country: United States

• Language: English

• IMDb: 4.8 / 10

• Tomatometer: 46%

• Metascore: 49%
• The film is based on the 2016 short story of the same name by Susan Hill, published in her 2016 collection The Travelling Bag and Other Ghostly Stories.

Belinda, a heavily pregnant anthropology professor, is struggling. She's frustrated with the way she is treated at work, at the same time still grieving the loss of her first son, Wallace, and to top it all, she is also sleepwalking due to anxiety. 

One evening, her husband, Norman, gets a call from his estranged stepmother, Solange, informing him of his dying father. Norman refuses to visit, hiding the fact that Solange abused him with her extreme religious beliefs.

After Belinda quits her job, they learn Norman’s father has died. They attend the funeral, where Solange proposes a deal: she’ll leave them her inheritance if they let her stay in their home during her final days. Financially strapped, Norman agrees after much persuasion by Belinda. Solange moves in, taking over the room they had prepared as a nursery for their unborn daughter. 

Soon, Belinda experiences racial and religious micro-aggressions from Solange. To add to the torment, Norman reveals that Solange believes she's possessed by the Holy Spirit, and she enters trancelike states. Solange disapproves of their chosen baby name, Fern, suggesting instead Laurie, after Belinda’s deceased father.

One night, Solange seemingly triggers Belinda’s labor, leading to an emergency caesarean. After returning home, Belinda finds the house refurnished with Solange’s belongings, including her father-in-law’s ashes. Solange’s prayer circle also gathers in their home, praying over Belinda and Laurie. Norman admits he agreed to this behind Belinda’s back as he wants to buy better things for Belinda at home. 

Tensions escalate when Solange falsely accuses Belinda of pushing her during an argument. A pastor visiting the family accidentally reveals Solange has already paid off their mortgage. Alone at home, Belinda struggles with Solange’s care and Laurie’s constant crying. Laurie grows more attached to Solange, straining Belinda further. When Laurie is found with a bite mark, Belinda proves it was Solange’s doing, leading Norman to finally confront his stepmother.

Will Solange ever leave the family alone? Or will she become the only Mother at the home?

MY REVIEW

What I Like:  

• It shares the unknown story behind closed doors of newlyweds living with the in-laws - their struggles, their anxiety and many more. Love the subtle ways the movie explaining the struggles.
• I HATE SOLANGE!
• Brandy sings!

What I Don't Like:

• A bit of a slow burn and too much flashbacks.

Will I Watch It Again: Yes, I would. 

Overall: 4.6/ 5.0

The pictures are taken from multiple sources on the Internet. Thank you.

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