The Empty Man

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 23, 2020

Genre
Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• James Badge Dale as James Lasombra
• Marin Ireland as Nora Quail
• Sasha Frolova as Amanda Quail
• Samantha Logan as Davara Walsh
• Stephen Root as Arthur Parsons
• Ron Canada as Detective Villiers

Director
David Prior

Other Movies Director is Known For

• AM1200 (2008) (short film)

Producer
Ross Richie, Stephen Christy, Adam Friedlander, David Prior

Writer
David Prior (screenplay), based on the graphic novel The Empty Man by Cullen Bunn and Vanesa R. Del Rey

Budget
Estimated at $16 million

Production Company
20th Century Studios, Boom! Studios

Running Time
137 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Disturbing images
• Language

Movie Story
The Empty Man is a psychological horror-thriller that delves into themes of urban legends, existential dread, and the nature of belief. The film, directed by David Prior and based on the graphic novel by Cullen Bunn and Vanesa R. Del Rey, opens with a chilling prologue set in the mountains of Bhutan, where a group of hikers encounters a strange, supernatural presence that leads to terrifying consequences.

Years later, the story shifts to a small town in the United States, where former cop James Lasombra (James Badge Dale) is grieving the recent death of his wife and son. Lasombra is drawn into a mysterious case when the daughter of his friend Nora Quail (Marin Ireland), a teenager named Amanda (Sasha Frolova), goes missing under strange circumstances. Before her disappearance, Amanda had been investigating a local urban legend known as “The Empty Man,” a supernatural entity said to appear when someone blows into an empty bottle on a bridge and thinks about the entity.

As Lasombra begins to investigate Amanda’s disappearance, he uncovers a disturbing trail that connects the legend of The Empty Man to a series of bizarre and violent events in the town. His search leads him to a secretive cult that worships The Empty Man, believing it to be a conduit to something far more sinister and otherworldly. As he delves deeper into the cult’s activities, Lasombra begins to experience hallucinations and encounters with the entity itself, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.

The film is a slow-burn horror that builds tension through its atmospheric visuals, unsettling sound design, and intricate narrative. Lasombra’s journey is not just a physical investigation but also a psychological descent into madness, as the nature of The Empty Man and its influence on those who believe in it becomes increasingly ambiguous and terrifying.

The film culminates in a disturbing and mind-bending finale that raises more questions than it answers, leaving viewers to ponder the true nature of the entity and its connection to Lasombra’s own past and psyche.

Special Effects
The Empty Man makes effective use of special effects to create a sense of dread and unease throughout the film. The film’s visual effects, particularly in the depiction of The Empty Man and the hallucinations experienced by Lasombra, are subtle but impactful, enhancing the eerie atmosphere. The sound design also plays a crucial role in building tension, with unsettling noises and whispers contributing to the film’s horror elements. The cinematography, with its dark and moody lighting, complements the film’s themes of paranoia and existential horror.

Box Office Performance
The Empty Man was released in theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic and faced significant challenges at the box office, grossing only $4.2 million worldwide. The film’s release was poorly marketed, leading to its underperformance despite generally positive reviews from critics who praised its ambitious narrative and atmospheric direction. However, the film has since gained a cult following, particularly on streaming platforms, where its complex story and horror elements have been more widely appreciated.

Filming Locations

• Cape Town, South Africa
• Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Edwardsville, Illinois, USA

Notable Quotes

• “The first night you hear him. The second night you see him. The third night he finds you.” – Amanda Quail
• “Where are you, Amanda?” – James Lasombra
• “He’s not real… unless you believe.” – Arthur Parsons

Behind-the-Scenes
The Empty Man was director David Prior’s feature film debut after a career in creating documentary and behind-the-scenes content for major films. The production of The Empty Man faced several challenges, including delays and reshoots, which contributed to its troubled release. Despite these obstacles, Prior’s direction was noted for its ambitious approach to horror, drawing on influences from films like The Ring and Jacob’s Ladder. The film’s complex narrative structure and unsettling atmosphere were a departure from typical horror fare, contributing to its status as an underappreciated gem within the genre.

Awards
While The Empty Man did not receive major award nominations, it has been recognized in horror circles for its unique approach to the genre and has been featured in discussions about underrated horror films.

Final Verdict
The Empty Man is a thought-provoking and atmospheric horror film that stands out for its complex narrative, unsettling atmosphere, and strong performance by James Badge Dale. Though it struggled at the box office, the film has since found an audience who appreciate its ambitious blend of psychological horror and supernatural mystery. Fans of slow-burn, cerebral horror films will find The Empty Man a haunting and intriguing watch.

IMDb Rating
6.1/10