Ivan Kavanaugh’s Son opens with a frantic scene of a pregnant woman running for her life. From the terror filled opening, a tone of fear is set for the film that drives the protagonist throughout the film. Son is a satanic chase against time with a high creep out factor.
Laura (Andi Matichak) is a young woman who gives birth on her own to a child she does not want. As soon as she sees her baby, it is clear that she has instantly bonded with the newborn. We are then introduced to Laura years later where she and her son David (Luke David Blumm) live a happy life together. They have an idyllic home. She’s a teacher and she has a great relationship with her son. Life is perfect until she finds a group of people in her son’s room.
After the encounter David grows violently ill. However, Laura realizes that the only thing that can cure him is highly controversial and unconventional. This sets them on a chase where they are running from the law and on their own search for answers. Laura’s own childhood abuse returns to haunt her as the monsters of her past set their sights on David.
The film unfolds into a series of unsettling events and revelations. Kavanaugh’s film delves into the dangers of cult mindsets and cycles of abuse. A sharp look is taken at how victims are perceived and treated by the systems designed to protect them. The film handles these issues in an interesting manner while delivering a solid work of horror. There is an excellent use of blood and the manner of how violence is depicted adds to the mystery. Matichak and Blumm give strong performances contribute to the emotional dimensions of the film.
Son premiers on Shudder July 8th
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
