Malignant
Movie Trailer
Release Date
September 10, 2021
Genre
Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Annabelle Wallis as Madison Mitchell
- Maddie Hasson as Sydney Lake
- George Young as Detective Kekoa Shaw
- Michole Briana White as Detective Regina Moss
- Jacqueline McKenzie as Dr. Florence Weaver
- Jake Abel as Derek Mitchell
- Jean Louisa Kelly as Jane Doe / Serena May
Director
James Wan
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Saw (2004)
- Insidious (2010)
- Aquaman (2018)
Producer
James Wan
Michael Clear
Writer
James Wan
Ingrid Bisu
Akela Cooper
Budget
$40 million
Production Company
New Line Cinema
Starlight Media
Atomic Monster Productions
Boom! Studios
Running Time
111 minutes
Languages
English (Original)
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Intense violence and gore
- Strong language
- Disturbing images
- Thematic elements
Movie Story
Malignant is a horror-thriller that marks a return to James Wan’s roots in the genre, blending supernatural elements with psychological horror. The film follows Madison Mitchell (Annabelle Wallis), a woman who begins experiencing terrifying visions of grisly murders. As the visions intensify, Madison realizes that the killings are happening in real-time, and she is somehow psychically connected to the murderer.
The story begins with Madison, who lives in Seattle and is in an abusive relationship with her husband, Derek Mitchell (Jake Abel). After a violent altercation, Madison is attacked by a mysterious figure and Derek is brutally murdered. Following the incident, Madison starts having visions of people being killed by a shadowy, malevolent figure known as Gabriel.
As the murders continue, Madison’s sister Sydney (Maddie Hasson) and detectives Kekoa Shaw (George Young) and Regina Moss (Michole Briana White) get involved in the investigation, trying to uncover the truth behind the horrific events. The investigation reveals that Gabriel is not a conventional killer, but something far more sinister and tied to Madison’s past.
As Madison digs deeper into her own history, she discovers that Gabriel is a parasitic twin who was surgically removed from her body when they were children but somehow survived. The connection between Madison and Gabriel was never fully severed, and he has re-emerged, using Madison’s body to carry out his gruesome murders. Gabriel, who shares a psychic link with Madison, takes control of her body during his killings, leaving her horrified and helpless as he wreaks havoc.
The film builds to a shocking and intense climax as Madison must confront Gabriel and find a way to stop him once and for all. The story explores themes of trauma, identity, and the dark, hidden aspects of the human mind, wrapped in a blend of horror and suspense.
Special Effects
Malignant is known for its inventive and disturbing special effects, particularly in the portrayal of Gabriel’s physical and psychic connection to Madison. The film uses a mix of practical effects and CGI to create the unsettling and grotesque imagery associated with Gabriel, including the scenes where he takes control of Madison’s body in unnatural and horrifying ways. The cinematography and visual effects work together to create a disorienting and eerie atmosphere, particularly during the murder sequences and the revelations about Madison’s past.
Box Office Performance
Malignant was released both in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously, a strategy that was common during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film grossed approximately $34 million worldwide against its $40 million budget. While it did not perform as well as some of James Wan’s other horror films at the box office, it gained a strong following on streaming platforms and received praise for its originality and willingness to take risks in the horror genre.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
- Seattle, Washington, USA
Notable Quotes
- “I wanted to show you what the cancer has become.” – Gabriel
- “It’s all in your head, Madison.” – Detective Kekoa Shaw
- “Gabriel is the devil.” – Madison Mitchell
- “He’s always been a part of me.” – Madison Mitchell
Behind-the-Scenes
James Wan returned to his horror roots with Malignant, aiming to create a film that would surprise and shock audiences with its unique premise and execution. The film’s story and design were inspired by classic horror films and giallo thrillers, with a focus on body horror and psychological terror. Annabelle Wallis underwent physical training to portray the scenes where Gabriel takes control of Madison’s body, which required contorted and unnatural movements. The film’s mix of practical effects and CGI was carefully crafted to enhance the unsettling nature of Gabriel’s character and the disturbing events of the story.
Awards
- Nominated for Best Horror Film at the 2022 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards
- Nominated for Best Villain (Gabriel) at the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards
Final Verdict
Malignant is a bold and original horror film that blends psychological terror with supernatural elements in a way that only James Wan can deliver. The film’s twisty narrative, combined with its shocking visual effects and inventive direction, makes it a standout in the horror genre. While its unconventional plot may divide audiences, Malignant is a must-watch for fans of horror who appreciate a film that isn’t afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of the genre.
IMDb Rating
6.3/10