Brahms: The Boy II

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 21, 2020

Genre
Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Katie Holmes as Liza
• Owain Yeoman as Sean
• Christopher Convery as Jude
• Ralph Ineson as Joseph
• Anjali Jay as Dr. Lawrence

Director
William Brent Bell

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Boy (2016)
• The Devil Inside (2012)
• Separation (2021)

Producer
Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Eric Reid, Richard S. Wright, Matt Berenson, Jim Wedaa, Roy Lee

Writer
Stacey Menear

Budget
$10 million (estimated)

Production Company
STX Entertainment, Lakeshore Entertainment, Huayi Brothers Pictures

Running Time
86 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Intense sequences of terror
• Some violence
• Mild language

Movie Story
Brahms: The Boy II is a follow-up to the 2016 horror film The Boy, and it continues the eerie story of the porcelain doll, Brahms, that harbors dark secrets. The sequel shifts the focus to a new family, the Webbers, who are looking for a fresh start after a traumatic experience. Liza, played by Katie Holmes, along with her husband Sean and their young son Jude, move into the guest house of the Heelshire Mansion, unaware of its dark history.

After discovering the Brahms doll buried in the woods, Jude, who has become mute following a home invasion, forms an unsettling attachment to the doll. Liza and Sean initially view the doll as a harmless coping mechanism for their son, but it soon becomes apparent that there is something deeply sinister about Brahms. As strange events begin to unfold around the house, Liza grows increasingly concerned about her son’s behavior and the influence that Brahms seems to have over him.

The tension escalates as Liza uncovers the dark past of the mansion and the doll, realizing that Brahms may not just be a toy but something far more dangerous. The film builds on the supernatural elements introduced in the first movie, adding layers to the mythology of the Brahms doll while focusing on the psychological horror experienced by Liza and her family.

Special Effects
The film uses a combination of practical effects and CGI to create the eerie atmosphere surrounding the Brahms doll. The special effects are effectively used to heighten the tension and deliver the film’s scares, particularly in scenes where the doll’s unsettling presence is felt by the characters. The use of sound design also plays a significant role in building suspense and creating a sense of dread throughout the movie.

Box Office Performance
Brahms: The Boy II was released in theaters and grossed approximately $20 million worldwide against a $10 million budget. Despite its moderate financial success, the film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. It was particularly noted for its reliance on horror tropes and its departure from the psychological tension that characterized the first film.

Filming Locations

• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “He just wants to be our friend.” – Jude
• “There’s something wrong with this place, with that doll.” – Liza

Behind-the-Scenes
Director William Brent Bell returned to helm the sequel, continuing the story that began with The Boy. The production sought to maintain the gothic and suspenseful atmosphere of the original, while expanding on the backstory of Brahms. Katie Holmes was brought on as the lead, marking her return to the horror genre. The film aimed to explore the psychological impact of trauma on a family, using the supernatural elements as a metaphor for unresolved fears and anxieties.

Awards

• No notable awards.

Final Verdict
Brahms: The Boy II offers a continuation of the story for fans of the original film, with a focus on psychological horror and supernatural elements. While it may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, the film delivers a few effective scares and explores the eerie mythology of Brahms in greater detail. Katie Holmes gives a strong performance as a mother trying to protect her son from an unknown evil. However, the movie may fall short for those seeking a fresh take on the haunted doll genre, as it relies heavily on familiar horror conventions.

IMDb Rating
4.7/10