“Amulet” features several horror staples: a derelict house, a mysterious family, a handsome, tortured hero, and a young woman in need. And yet Romola Garai’s feature directorial debut is not just another run-of-the-mill horror pic. It’s a genuinely surprising — and, yes, scary — tale of gender, curses, and redemption that stays with you.
The film, which Garai also wrote, sees Tomaz (Alec Secareanu), a haunted ex-soldier-turned-refugee, being hired to fix up Magda’s (Carla Juri) house, at the behest of kindly nun Sister Claire (Imelda Staunton). Magda is taking care of her dying mother and has little time for anything else and, understandably, feels suffocated and depressed. Because of her illness, Magda’s mother is confined to the attic — which should be a big ol’ red flag for anyone familiar with the Gothic genre.
The less you know about “Amulet” going in, the better, but I will say Garai and her film repeatedly interrogate horror tropes — and societal norms. Why does it so often fall on women to care for sick loved ones, even when it means sacrificing their autonomy and mental health? Why do we view women as mere devices meant to aid men’s personal growth? Can we ever truly move beyond our demons?
Garai displays obvious familiarity with and affection for horror in “Amulet,” which makes sense given she’s an admitted fan of the genre. “Many of my favorite films are horrors or have a very dark sensibility, and it was my love for the genre and its unique ability to combine aesthetic beauty with pure emotion that made me want to [make this film],” she told us when “Amulet” made its premiere at Sundance. “In my view, women’s lives are often ‘naturally’ horrific, as experiences like childbirth and living under patriarchy bring out those raw feelings of dread and terror in us anyway.”
You may find yourself lamenting the fact that women so often get dealt a shitty hand — in real life and fiction alike — after seeing the movie. You’re also likely, to use Garai’s words, to enjoy “a sly chuckle too.” Just like Magda’s house, and her relationship with her mother, there’s a lot more to “Amulet” than meets the eye.
“Amulet” is now in select theaters and available on VOD. Find screening info here.
