Briana Evigan and Charlie Tahan in Burning Bright (2010)

Lucas J. Roelen, Elijah Shepherd, Jacob Hauge, and Jackson A. Dunn in When the Bell Rings (2021)

Nolan Gerard Funk, Jessica Stam, Chanel Iman, Aaron Bierman, Peter Markowski, Elsa Hosk, Lisa Benson, Franceska Bucci, and Nadine Leopold in Burning Bright (2019)

Michael B. Jordan, Dane DeHaan, and Alex Russell in Chronicle (2012)

Anthony Hopkins and Bill Skarsgård in Locked (2025)

Liv Tyler, Elliot Page, and Rainn Wilson in Super (2010)

Elizabeth Banks

David Denman

Jackson A. Dunn

David Yarovesky

Brightburn: Hero-Horror

Lacking something

Brightburn (2019) begins with a fascinating premise: what if the child with Superman-like powers grew up evil instead of heroic? The film cleverly sidesteps any direct connection to the DC universe, yet it establishes a darkly compelling alternate reality where an alien child becomes a terrifying threat to humanity. This concept alone sets it apart from traditional superhero fare, blending horror and comic book elements in a way that immediately grabs attention.

The opening sequences are effective in establishing both the characters and the unease of the narrative. The cinematography is polished, often using creative framing and lighting to build tension, and there are moments that genuinely unsettle the audience. The early signs of the child&apos;s emerging powers are handled with suspense, hinting at the chaos to come. These moments show the director&apos;s potential to deliver a visually stylish horror-superhero hybrid.

Unfortunately, the film&apos;s narrative momentum struggles to maintain that early tension. The screenplay is uneven, and the story often feels scattered, as if it can&apos;t decide whether it wants to be a horror movie, a superhero origin story, or a psychological thriller. Scenes that should feel intense or emotionally charged occasionally land flat, reducing the overall impact of the story.

Character development is another major weakness. The parents, who should anchor the emotional core of the film, are underwritten, making it difficult for the audience to feel invested in their plight. Without strong emotional engagement, many of the climactic scenes-designed to shock or disturb-lose their full effect. The psychological horror aspect is underexplored, leaving the film more reliant on jump scares and violent sequences.

Despite these flaws, Brightburn does succeed in some areas. The visual effects and the child&apos;s powers are handled creatively, and there are genuinely eerie sequences that effectively capture the horror potential of the premise. The film&apos;s ability to merge superhero spectacle with horror moments is ambitious, even if it is not fully realized. Certain sequences linger in memory due to their disturbing or shocking nature.

Ultimately, Brightburn is a film with a strong concept and impressive visual style, but its weak screenplay, inconsistent tone, and lack of emotional depth prevent it from fully achieving its potential. It is a visually engaging and occasionally unsettling experience, yet it falls short of becoming a memorable or groundbreaking entry in either the horror or superhero genres. Curious viewers may find some enjoyment, but the movie struggles to sustain its promise from start to finish.

Brightburn (2019) begins with a fascinating premise: what if the child with Superman-like powers grew up evil instead of heroic? The film cleverly sidesteps any direct connection to the DC universe, yet it establishes a darkly compelling alternate reality where an alien child becomes a terrifying threat to humanity. This concept alone sets it apart from traditional superhero fare, blending horror and comic book elements in a way that immediately grabs attention.

The opening sequences are effective in establishing both the characters and the unease of the narrative. The cinematography is polished, often using creative framing and lighting to build tension, and there are moments that genuinely unsettle the audience. The early signs of the child's emerging powers are handled with suspense, hinting at the chaos to come. These moments show the director's potential to deliver a visually stylish horror-superhero hybrid.

Unfortunately, the film's narrative momentum struggles to maintain that early tension. The screenplay is uneven, and the story often feels scattered, as if it can't decide whether it wants to be a horror movie, a superhero origin story, or a psychological thriller. Scenes that should feel intense or emotionally charged occasionally land flat, reducing the overall impact of the story.

Character development is another major weakness. The parents, who should anchor the emotional core of the film, are underwritten, making it difficult for the audience to feel invested in their plight. Without strong emotional engagement, many of the climactic scenes-designed to shock or disturb-lose their full effect. The psychological horror aspect is underexplored, leaving the film more reliant on jump scares and violent sequences.

Despite these flaws, Brightburn does succeed in some areas. The visual effects and the child's powers are handled creatively, and there are genuinely eerie sequences that effectively capture the horror potential of the premise. The film's ability to merge superhero spectacle with horror moments is ambitious, even if it is not fully realized. Certain sequences linger in memory due to their disturbing or shocking nature.

Ultimately, Brightburn is a film with a strong concept and impressive visual style, but its weak screenplay, inconsistent tone, and lack of emotional depth prevent it from fully achieving its potential. It is a visually engaging and occasionally unsettling experience, yet it falls short of becoming a memorable or groundbreaking entry in either the horror or superhero genres. Curious viewers may find some enjoyment, but the movie struggles to sustain its promise from start to finish.

bappamtv

Brightburn: Hero-Horror

🎭 Top Cast

🎬 Technical Specs

🏷️ Keywords

🎯 Categories

⭐ Featured Review

🎬 More Like This

📖 Synopsis