In the Tall Grass

If you’re someone who can’t resist a good mystery or sci-fi flick, you’re not alone! Honestly, I’m right there with you. But what draws you in? There’s romance that makes your heart flutter, comedies that lift you out of any funk, and thrillers that send chills down your spine, right? 🤔

When I’m diving into a mystery or sci-fi movie, my approach is pretty different compared to other genres. I’m not sure if it’s the same for everyone, but for me, it’s like tackling a math problem that needs solving. Seriously, I start piecing together the world and its settings from the first scene like a detective collecting clues, determined not to miss a single detail. It’s like solving a complex puzzle, and if someone suddenly asks me to calculate some crazy formula, I’d be ready to dive right in. My mind’s already in problem-solving mode! 🧠

‘In the Tall Grass’ is a 2019 mystery directed by Vincenzo Natali. If the name rings a bell, you might remember ‘Cube’ (1997) – that eerie escape story. I found its vibe pretty unique. Natali’s films are known for their MacGuffins, sparking endless imaginations and debates long after the credits roll. It’s all part of the fun, especially when logical frameworks start aligning. But when the setting is vague, it can be frustrating. Aren’t puzzles meant to be solved? 🤷‍♀️

‘In the Tall Grass’ leans towards the latter. Watching it feels like trying to solve a math problem, only to be stumped, both forwards and backwards, eventually realizing there’s no bridge between the two halves. But more on that soon! 🌱

Based on the novella by Stephen King and his son Joe Hill, here’s a glimpse of the plot:

Becky, heading to San Diego to find a home for her unborn child, and her brother Cal, hear a child’s cry for help in a field. They venture into the grass and soon find themselves lost. Travis, the child’s father, enters the grass in search of Becky…

The movie’s greatest strength lies in not exaggerating the space to amplify fear. No creepy basements or scattered skeletons here. Most of the time, the protagonists are stuck in the grass, and the eerie vibe comes from their shifting psychological states rather than the environment. So the breeze that seemed peaceful at first becomes terrifying midway. It’s quite impactful. 😨

Initially, the story unfolds within the constrained grassy realm, driven by relationship conflicts. Characters wander in, lose their way, and reconnect. But as the mysterious rock at the center appears, the tale morphs into a supernatural mystery. 🌌

There are plenty of films exploring time loops or parallel theories, each with its own unique logic. They have to explain cause and effect, right? Without clear settings, they’re easily critiqued. Even physicists argue over the impact of parallel universes in ‘Avengers.’ But that’s because there’s a framework to critique. Finding tiny errors is fun! However, in this film, there’s no logical structure for the audience to grasp as the story unfolds. (Unless there’s something mind-bendingly complex I’m missing…) Stretching a short story into a two-hour film likely required adding more elements. 🤔

Relationships are tangled from the start. Young Tobin, thought to be the first in the grass, is linked to Travis, the last to enter. They encounter multiple versions of themselves, all out of sync. It feels like being handed an n-dimensional puzzle, especially when primitive figures and supernatural tunnels appear. We start to think:

‘Maybe it’s all occult.’ 🔮

Amidst this complexity, trying to draw relatable conclusions makes the latter part of the film lose coherence. Cal attacking Travis when Becky needs protection feels odd. If you got distracted by a message or delivery, it might seem even stranger. Yet, given the early focus on atmosphere and character dynamics, if you’re immersed, it makes more sense than you’d think. The immersion is truly incredible.

The film’s backdrop and characters aren’t grand enough to carry the story, so a well-aligned puzzle-like structure might make it seem trivial. That’s too predictable, right? So, the director hooks viewers with the initial atmosphere and uses occult chaos and whirlwind speed to keep them engaged by the end. I think this strategy worked perfectly. While there may be plenty of post-movie chatter, I’m confident everyone was captivated while watching. 🎬

For those who love a fresh mystery, I’d definitely recommend this film. I plan to read the original novella slowly myself. 📖