Siren – Film Review

In the horror genre, discovering a film that successfully merges originality with the homage to its predecessors can be a refreshing surprise. Siren, a feature-length expansion of David Bruckner‘s segment Amateur Night from the 2012 horror anthology V/H/S, ambitiously aims to strike this balance. Directed by Gregg Bishop and based on a story by David Bruckner, the film promises an intriguing blend of horror, myth, and dark fantasy. Though not entirely without its pitfalls, Siren offers a compelling narrative and noteworthy attempts at refreshing the horror genre.

Siren centers around a bachelor party gone awry, taking its premise beyond the standard fare of horror clichés. The film follows Jonah (played by Chase Williamson) and his friends as they venture into the heart of darkness, far removed from the expected debaucheries of a Las Vegas bachelor weekend. Their journey leads them to a mysterious, secretive club in the middle of nowhere, where they encounter Nyx (Tom Woodruff Jr.), a strange and enigmatic host. Here, Jonah becomes unwittingly entrapped by the allure of a mysterious woman, Lily (Hannah Fierman), who is not what she appears to be.

One of Siren’s strongest assets is its attempt to explore deeper thematic content amidst its horror trappings. The character of Lily, portrayed again by Hannah Fierman from Amateur Night, is a siren – a mythical creature known for luring men to their doom with her irresistible song. The film uses Lily’s character to delve into themes of entrapment, freedom, and the inherent danger of desire. This, in combination with Fierman’s compelling performance, lends Siren a layer of complexity not always present in horror films of its ilk.

Unfortunately, where Siren aspires to transcend the typical confines of its genre, it occasionally falls short. While the expansion from a short segment to a feature-length narrative offers more room for character development and backstory, the film sometimes struggles with pacing and coherence. The inclusion of additional characters and subplots, intended to enrich the story, can feel forced or underdeveloped, leaving some narrative threads feeling unresolved or hastily concluded.

The setting of Siren, a liminal space that blurs the lines between the mundane and the supernatural, offers an intriguing backdrop for the story. The club, with its eerie ambiance and sense of hidden danger, effectively sets the stage for the unfolding horror. However, the film’s execution of these elements can sometimes feel uneven. Moments of genuine tension and dread are occasionally undercut by effects or sequences that lack subtlety, detracting from the atmosphere that Siren works hard to build.

Chase Williamson delivers a solid performance as Jonah, effectively portraying a man caught between his impending nuptials and the seductive danger of Lily. His journey from skepticism to terror and eventual desperation anchors the narrative, providing a relatable through-line for the audience. Hannah Fierman’s portrayal of Lily is a standout, reprising her role with an eerie otherworldliness that captivates and terrifies in equal measure. The chemistry between Williamson and Fierman is palpable, adding depth to their interactions and heightening the film’s emotional stakes.

From a technical standpoint, Siren demonstrates proficiency within the constraints of its budget. The cinematography adeptly captures the film’s mood, oscillating between the claustrophobic interiors of the club and the expansiveness of the surrounding wilderness. The use of practical effects to bring the siren and other creatures to life adds a tactile authenticity to the film, harkening back to a pre-digital era of horror filmmaking.

Siren is a film that strives to both honor and innovate within the horror genre. While not entirely successful in its ambitions, it nevertheless provides a thought-provoking and occasionally chilling experience. Its exploration of mythological themes, coupled with strong performances and atmospheric direction, make it a worthwhile endeavor for fans of horror looking for something slightly off the beaten path.

Siren deserves a watch for its ambitious attempt to blend the traditional and the new, its competent execution on a technical level, and its efforts to explore deeper themes within a horror context. Though it may not fully achieve its lofty goals, it is an intriguing entry into the genre and a testament to the potential for innovation within the familiar confines of horror.