Primarily based on the novel of the identical identify by Walter Mosley, Nadia Latif, who co-wrote the script with the writer, crafts an often stirring and messy directorial function debut with The Man in My Basement. It’s tough to handle deep themes with slow-burn horror; the movie’s makes an attempt are solely often profitable. The horror thriller is extra of the latter, laying the groundwork for intriguing questions on one’s accountability to maintain ancestral artifacts from falling into the mistaken fingers or being offered out of a determined want for cash. It is a story that’s robust in theme however not in execution.
For Charles Blakey (Corey Hawkins), he’s been given a selection. Charles is down on his luck; his mom handed away and he needed to stay with and take care of an abusive uncle. He’s bought no cash and no job prospects, solely ancestral artifacts that would get him again on his toes in the event that they’re offered. Along with his house about to enter foreclosures, Charles accepts a proposal from Anniston Bennet (Willem Dafoe), a mysterious stranger who desires to hire Charles’ basement for a hefty sum. The extra Charles learns about him, the extra sinister issues change into.
The Man In My Basement Has Stable Themes However Is Too Formidable In Its Plot
The Man in My Basement is an bold case research, one which’s attempting to do an excessive amount of. On one hand, there’s the connection between Charles and Anniston, which grows extra intriguing by the second, in addition to his relationship with Narciss (Anna Diop), a pal who would somewhat he holds onto his household’s artifacts to remain related. On the opposite, the movie tries to discover quite a lot of questions and themes however merely skims the floor.It may be thought-provoking when Anniston, who’s finished unspeakable issues, asks Charles probing questions, however it could really feel convoluted with out justification.
Charles appears caught between a rock and a tough place, however then the tables are turned, and we see how simple it may be to change into that which one detests. On the similar time, the movie explores the breaking of cycles, particularly when it comes to Charles’ habits. Narciss is the grounding character, asking totally different, extra humble questions that oppose Charles’ cynicism and places issues into a unique perspective.
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Whereas the movie explores whether or not one is able to violence when pushed to do it, and in addition what sort of violence is suitable, it turns into extra fascinating once we be taught what actually makes Anniston and Charles the identical but fully totally different. A connection to tradition and historical past and preservation are on the forefront of the movie, and but the story can typically really feel poorly stitched collectively; it has good concepts however no fluidity.
The Man In My Basement Boasts Stable Performances
Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe have a ok back-and-forth dynamic that may be intense, even because the movie grows drained. Hawkins brings expressive eyes and a ache that’s deeply felt as Charles, whereas Dafoe’s total countenance modifications when Anniston feels he has the higher hand. Components of the movie’s plot and dialogue, paired with a rushed ending, don’t at all times do them justice, however they elevate the movie nonetheless.
The horror is, sadly, the weakest aspect of the movie. As the connection between Charles and Anniston evolves, Charles begins seeing and feeling issues, however they don’t final lengthy sufficient to be absolutely efficient, save for a near-end vision-like situation that’s eerie. It breaks the stress, which is difficult to keep up at instances as a consequence of gradual pacing.
The Man in My Basement isn’t essentially the most riveting movie, and it’ll battle to keep up your consideration. Its themes have been higher tackled in different movies however it has its deserves. A terrific forged and endurance will show solely considerably rewarding, even when the journey to get there’s shaky and greater than a bit complicated.
The Man in My Basement premiered on the 2025 Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition. It will be in restricted theaters on September 12.
The Man in My Basement
5/10
- Launch Date
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September 12, 2025
- Runtime
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115 Minutes
- Director
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Nadia Latif
- Writers
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Nadia Latif, Walter Mosley
- Producers
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Diane Houslin, John Giwa-Amu, Dave Bishop, Len Rowles