Malum (2023) Review

Malum, a chilling reimagining of Anthony DiBlasi’s earlier work, Last Shift, descends upon the horror genre with a haunting narrative, bloody visuals, and a formidable performance by Jessica Sula. Released on March 31, 2023, the film comes 9 years after it’s first incarnation and grips its audience with a compelling premise — a rookie cop’s unnerving night at a decommissioned police station where a malevolent cult met its end.

Set in the fictional city of Lanford, Malum opens with Jessica Loren (Jessica Sula), a rookie cop burdened by the gruesome legacy of her father, Officer Will Loren (Eric Olson). Will, once hailed as a local hero, met a tragic end after leading a raid on a demonic cult, the Farm Cult. His daughter, Jessica, follows in his footsteps and takes the last shift at the decommissioned police station where the cult met its demise. The stage is set for a nightmarish ordeal as Jessica encounters paranormal phenomena, a menacing cult’s spectral presence, and unsettling connections to her family’s past. And all while all manner of wild and surreal acts are taking place on the surrounding streets as the local law enforcement struggles to contain the cult members’ malcontent.

The film adeptly explores the psychological toll on Jessica, caught between proving her mettle in a male-dominated police force and unraveling the mysteries surrounding her father’s dark history. The atmosphere of the abandoned police station becomes a character in itself, cloaked in shadows and echoing with the sinister remnants of the cult’s malevolence. The single-location setting is used effectively to induce a sense of isolation and dread, elevating the horror experience.

Jessica Sula’s portrayal of Jessica Loren is a standout, capturing the complexity of a character thrust into a nightmarish situation. Her performance navigates the character’s vulnerability, determination, and gradual descent into terror with conviction. Candice Coke, playing Diane, Jessica’s mother, adds depth to the narrative with a troubled mother-daughter dynamic. Chaney Morrow, as the cult leader John Malum, brings an eerie charisma to the screen, embodying the embodiment of evil with a convincing intensity.

The ensemble cast, despite occasional moments of overacting, contributes to the film’s overall atmosphere. Officer Grip Cohen (Britt George) becomes a symbol of the pervasive sexism within the police force, amplifying Jessica’s struggles. And her other colleagues aren’t much better, distracted by their own heavy workloads and the mistrust they have for Jessica because of her father’s reputation. The supporting characters, each haunted by the specter of the cult’s past actions also add layers to the unfolding horror.

Malum distinguishes itself with its ability to evoke fear through a combination of visceral imagery, found footage elements, and a nightmarish aesthetic. The film cleverly blurs the lines between reality and hallucination, leaving the audience as disoriented as Jessica in the face of the supernatural. The grotesque cult rituals, portrayed with unflinching brutality, contribute to the film’s horror pedigree.

DiBlasi’s decision to revisit and reimagine Last Shift raises questions about the necessity of remakes. However, the film justifies its existence by expanding on the original concept and infusing it with grander scale and clever storytelling. The decision to relocate the setting to downtown Louisville, Kentucky, adds a layer of authenticity to the film’s eerie ambiance. Although one or two of the elements seems to have taken influence from other popular horror films (look out for the character resembling Insidious’ Man With Fire on his Face), this doesn’t detract from the other more original ideas.

Malum‘s thematic exploration of cults, demonic entities, and psychological horror aligns it with contemporary horror trends while paying homage to genre classics. The creative choice to evolve the narrative and enhance visual elements showcases DiBlasi’s growth as a filmmaker. The comparison between Malum and its predecessor invites audiences to appreciate the nuanced differences and the evolution of a director’s vision.

Malum emerges as a surprising addition to the cult-horror sub-genre genre, blending psychological terror, supernatural elements, and genuine scares. Jessica Sula’s compelling performance, coupled with an atmospheric setting and a nightmarish visual style, elevates the film beyond conventional horror tropes. DiBlasi and crew do well to convey a vortex of bewilderment and a nauseating evil in the ether and while occasional lapses in acting and a slightly predictable ending may be noted, the film’s overall impact is undeniable.

DiBlasi’s decision to revisit his earlier work proves fruitful, delivering a horror experience that resonates with both fans of the original and newcomers. Malum‘s ability to induce grip the audience, coupled with its exploration of demonic cults, makes it a film that’s easy to enjoy. In a genre often crowded with clichés, Malum stands out as a nightmarish journey into familiar territory, but one which hides plenty of surprises in its sinister corridors.

Movie Rating:

Malum trailer