In the Tall Grassย (2019) is a supernatural horror drama directed by Vincenzo Natali, based on the 2012 novella of the same name by Stephen King and Joe Hill. The film follows a brother and sister, Cal (Avery Whitted) and Becky (Laysla De Oliveira), who become trapped in a vast field of tall grass after hearing a young boyโs cry for help. What begins as a seemingly innocent act of kindness quickly turns into a terrifying and disorienting journey as they realize the grass is far more sinister than it appears. The film blends elements of horror, suspense, and supernatural forces, creating a disorienting atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge.
The plot ofย In the Tall Grassย revolves around Cal and Becky, who stop along the road during a trip when they hear a boy, named Tobin, calling out for help from within the tall grass. As they enter the field to rescue him, they soon realize that the grass is not only impossibly vast but also strangely disorienting. The characters are trapped in a loop, unable to find an exit, and time seems to stretch and twist in unnatural ways. As they delve deeper into the grass, they encounter disturbing and inexplicable phenomena, including repeated versions of themselves, a growing sense of paranoia, and the realization that the field might hold dark, malevolent powers.
One of the central themes ofย In the Tall Grassย is the concept of time and space being warped by supernatural forces. The charactersโ attempts to escape are futile, as they find themselves walking in circles and encountering versions of themselves from different points in time. This disorienting experience evokes a sense of claustrophobia, as the characters struggle to make sense of their environment and their actions. The film plays with the idea of fate and the feeling that time is both fluid and inescapable, as the characters grapple with the terrifying notion that they may never leave the field.
The psychological aspect of the film is another key theme. As the characters are trapped in the field, they begin to lose their grip on reality. The constant repetition and manipulation of time lead to increasing paranoia and desperation. The film delves into the human psyche, showing how isolation and fear can distort oneโs sense of identity and decision-making. Becky and Cal, in particular, are forced to confront their inner demons and unresolved emotions, which adds an emotional layer to the otherwise eerie atmosphere of the film.
The performances of the cast, particularly Laysla De Oliveira and Avery Whitted, are effective in conveying the sense of fear and confusion that the characters experience. De Oliveiraโs portrayal of Becky captures the vulnerability and determination of a woman who is trying to protect her brother while facing her own fears. Whittedโs performance as Cal is also compelling, as he shifts from concern for his sister to a growing realization of the horror around them. Together, their chemistry adds to the filmโs tension, making their journey through the tall grass both emotional and terrifying.
Visually, In the Tall Grass is a beautifully shot film that uses the vastness of the field to create an atmosphere of unease and confinement. The tall grass itself becomes a character in the film, symbolizing both the natural worldโs power and the psychological entrapment the characters face. The cinematography and the use of sound design heighten the sense of disorientation, drawing the viewer into the charactersโ nightmarish experience. The film effectively builds suspense through its pacing, slowly escalating the tension as the characters uncover more about the sinister forces within the field.
In conclusion, In the Tall Grass is a chilling supernatural thriller that combines elements of horror, psychological drama, and mind-bending time manipulation. The filmโs atmosphere, strong performances, and disturbing narrative make it a captivating experience for fans of psychological horror. By exploring themes of time, space, and the human psyche, In the Tall Grass offers a haunting look at how isolation and fear can distort reality. With its eerie visuals and suspenseful pacing, the film remains a memorable and unsettling addition to the horror genre.
