The Front Room: A Disjointed Horror that is a Waste of Time

The Front Room attempts to deliver unsettling horror with a psychological edge but falters at nearly every turn. Marketed as a slow-burn thriller in the vein of A24 films, it instead feels more like an underdeveloped experiment with little to no focus. The script struggles to establish a coherent narrative or tone, leaving the viewer lost in a sea of random plot points and half-baked ideas. Moments that are meant to be disturbing often come off as unintentionally laughable, and the characters are so underwritten that it's hard to care about their fates.

Despite its many flaws, the film has one standout element: Kathryn Hunter’s performance as the monstrous mother-in-law. Hunter brings an utterly unhinged energy to the role, delivering a scene-stealing portrayal that is often the only source of entertainment in an otherwise tedious watch. Her outrageous and campy moments are the only parts of the film that hold any real interest, and at times, she almost feels like she’s in a completely different movie. Her over-the-top performance provides an ironic level of enjoyment amidst the film’s otherwise incoherent execution.

Aside from Hunter’s captivating turn, The Front Room is a chaotic mess. The narrative struggles to find direction, and the symbolism feels random and forced rather than thought-provoking. The film introduces several ideas but fails to develop them in a meaningful way, resulting in a sense of confusion that undermines any potential suspense. The rushed ending, which aims to wrap up the story, leaves little emotional impact and feels like a quick attempt to resolve the messy threads left hanging throughout the film.

While The Front Room shows some initial promise with its psychological premise, it ultimately becomes a frustrating watch. The film fails to capitalize on its concept or its cast, leaving an underwhelming and unsatisfying experience for those hoping for a gripping, thought-provoking horror film. It’s a disappointing example of a film that has all the right ingredients but lacks the execution needed to pull them together