The film medium only covers a few horror films set in Jewish culture. Still fresh in my memory is “The Vigil” (2019), a terrifying horror film with a similar background story and an exciting premise. “The Offering,” a supernatural horror film directed by Oliver Park, is said to be based on the Jewish legend of Abizou, an ancient demon that takes the souls of children. The film stars Nick Blood, Emily Wiseman, Paul Kaye, and Allan Corduner.
Claire’s husband, Art (Blood), invites her to visit her father, Saul (Corduner), who works at a funeral home. The father and son have a rocky past, and the situation worsens when Claire, now pregnant, accompanies Art. Meanwhile, Saul receives the body of a murder victim who also happens to be his best friend. Unbeknownst to them, the corpse carries an ancient demon that begins to toy with the sanity of the house’s residents.
From the opening segment, the film establishes a convincing atmosphere. The measured setting and cinematography create a genuinely scary scene with a promising future premise. It feels as if we are watching a horror film produced by a major studio, making it one of the best horror opening scenes in recent years.
Throughout the film, the horror nuance of the opening scene remains consistent. The impressive interior, combined with low-key lighting, effortlessly builds up the horror atmosphere. The filmmaker effectively utilizes jump scares, but the illusion controlled by the demon adds a unique dimension. While this “nightmare” illusory sensation is not entirely new, the technical presentation is classy. Unfortunately, the story doesn’t live up to its technical accomplishments, culminating in an ending typical for the genre. Why complicate everything if it’s going to end like that? Predators typically enjoy playing with their prey first.
Despite its cinematographic excellence and fantastic setting, “The Offering” concludes with a very cliché ending, falling short of the promise set by its premise. Horror films exploring foreign cultures and traditions provide a different sensation, as the unknown elements make it intriguing. Dealing with unfamiliar territories and the mystery surrounding them can be disturbing. “The Offering” is an excellent experiment, but its execution falls short in addressing the internal problems faced by the characters. Is stepping outside the circle (tradition) the solution, or will it lead to dire consequences? While it could be an interesting exploration, the film only touches the surface and fails to delve deeper.
