I wasn’t going to watch this movie. Another horror film centered around grief? I felt like I had seen them all. Grief is one of those universal human experiences that horror often helps us navigate. I’m currently on a harrowing journey through my deep grief. The loss of a parent is hard to put into words; it truly is heart-wrenching. When I learned this film focused on that theme, I set it aside, despite hearing good things from my horror-loving friends on social media.
However, after encountering a wave of positive reviews, I decided to give it a reluctant try.
The Surrender marks the feature debut of writer-director Julia Max. The film intricately explores the complex relationship between Megan (played by Colby Minifie) and her mother, Barbara (Kate Burton), as they navigate the challenges of caring for the family patriarch, Robert (Vaughn Armstrong), in his deteriorating health. The narrative takes a dark turn when a tragic accidental overdose of medication results in the father’s untimely death.
Grief-stricken yet resolute, Barbara becomes fixated on the idea of resurrecting him, convinced that she can defy the natural order.
Into this desperate scenario steps a mysterious figure known only as “The Man” (Neil Sandilands), who arrives with the promise of performing an ancient ritual that could alter their grim reality. As the story unfolds, the characters are drawn deeper into an ominous journey filled with psychological tension and supernatural elements, setting the stage for a brutal and harrowing descent into horror that will test their limits and unravel their deepest fears.
Minifie and Burton share a remarkable chemistry, despite their contrasting personalities. Their lively banter perfectly captures the tension of a typical mother-daughter dynamic under stress. Minifie shines as the lead, skillfully conveying a range of emotions that build suspense and dread throughout the film. Her perspective on their father diverges significantly from her mother’s, and she infuses her character with a deep, thoughtful compassion. And it’s a delight to see Burton return to the screen, especially since I haven’t seen her since Grey’s Anatomy, her most well-known role.
The cold open of this movie genuinely shook me to my very core. The harrowing imagery of a grotesque, humanlike creature savagely devouring its victim was a visceral shock that I was utterly unprepared for. This unsettling glimpse into the dark and twisted path the narrative takes is merely a tantalizing prelude to the horrors that lie ahead. The practical effects are not only impressive but profoundly eerie, creating an unsettling realism that lingers long after the scene fades. Crafting a monster that defies conventional expectations is an immense challenge.
Still, this creation is hauntingly unique — its chilling presence echoed in my mind, leaving an indelible mark that I won’t soon forget.
The film features a solid emotional arc that unfolds throughout its narrative. We occasionally get flashbacks of Megan as a child when her father was younger, which is a lovely touch by director Julia Max. These moments added a layer of depth and made me feel quite emotional. We see two different sides: her father is tender with Megan, while Barbara shows a more intense, angered demeanor. The way we get these little breadcrumbs throughout the movie kept me engaged as we learn more about the father and the family dynamic.
My favorite part was the portrayal of the ritual conducted by “The Man.” The moment he steps through the door, the film shifts to a more sinister tone. This isn’t your typical “bring the dead back to life” kind of ritual that you might expect. Haven’t we learned anything from movies like Pet Sematary or the hand game in Talk to Me?
Numerous films explore the theme of resurrecting the dead, but The Surrender offers a fresh perspective on this concept, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The sense of vastness experienced during the ritual closely resembles the feelings associated with grief; it’s as though you’re isolated, trapped in a silence where no one can reach you. Yet, the reality is that grief subtly seeps through the shadows, rolling over you time and again.
I rank The Surrender among my favorite recent Shudder originals, alongside Fréwaka, Grafted and Get Away. From my experience, these films can be hit or miss. There were times when I felt my attention might wane, but something always happened to pull me back in. The early scenes dedicated to world-building may seem slow, but they serve a vital purpose. This film is aimed at patient horror fans, but trust me, the payoff is well worth the wait.
I give The Surrender three and a half out of five stars, which is a solid rating in the realm of straight-to-streaming films. This marks an impressive directorial debut for Max, and the story lingers with you long after the credits roll. It’s packed with violence, has a touch of grossness and is suitably creepy — everything a horror fan could ask for. At just 96 minutes, it’s a tight watch, although I feel it could have benefited from some trimming here and there. I highly recommend this film for a weeknight viewing. While it may not fall into the category of “fun,” it is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine and leave you feeling on edge. The unsettling atmosphere and gripping narrative will stick with you.
As I navigate my grief journey, which I realize will be a part of my life indefinitely, I find that movies like this serve as a valuable tool for processing my emotions. They allow me to explore my feelings in a way that makes me feel less isolated in my experience, offering a sense of connection and understanding that can be hard to find in real life. These films resonate deeply, capturing the nuances of loss and healing, and remind me that I’m not alone in this struggle.
…and I’m glad I watched it.
The Surrender premiered at SXSW and is now streaming on Shudder.