Movie Reviews

‘Revealer’ review: A stripper, a protester, and the end of the world

Trumpets blare.

June 20, 2022

Revealer’s premise sounds like the start of a joke. A stripper and a religious protester are trapped in a peep booth. When the apocalypse comes to Chicago the two unlikely allies must put aside their differences to get to their desired destinations.

Things begin in a strange room filled with red light. This sets the stage for the rest of Revealer as its color design stands out. There is great use of light and shadow while neon is used to accentuate scenes. The visuals consistently add to the atmosphere.

Director Luke Boyce (who worked on the story along with Mike Moreci and Tim Seely) brings everything together in a way that heightens the tension. The plot is constantly evolving as it follows the duo. Revealer starts with Angie (Caito Aase) and Sally (Shaina Schrooten) trapped in adjacent rooms. By the end, they have traveled through a maze, confronted literal and metaphoric demons, and forged a bond. It is a tight story that manages to pack in a lot.

The writing stands out most in its handling of issues. Revealer takes place in 1987 yet still manages to discuss topics that are relevant today. Nothing ever feels forced or out of place. The two leads help with the authentic feel. Angie is an easy character to get behind. She is tough, funny, and resourceful. Sally is the perfect foil and Aase and Schrooten have excellent chemistry.

Overall, the movie is an entertaining and fun watch. It has a comedy horror vibe but never leans into the laughs. Revealer is more about providing its audience with effective scares and an intriguing story. The final reveal is well done and is a great way to end things.