Old Man is the latest thriller from filmmaker Lucky McKee. The movie is about a hiker (Marc Senter, The Free Fall) who stumbles upon a cabin occupied by an old man (Stephen Lang, Don’t Breathe).As the two talk more, a terrifying secret is revealed.
Lang is fantastic in the titular role. The film is character driven and dialogue heavy and Lang is able to keep audiences invested. He is eccentric, terrifying, and even funny. He is the driving force behind the film.
The performance is so good it almost works against the central mystery. There are so many questions surrounding both men and the situation is intriguing without trying too hard. Lang is so in control, he often removes the suspense.
It sounds like a bad thing, but it is not. In fact, it helps Old Man by putting focus on its two main characters. This is incredibly important since the majority of the movie is just the two men talking in the cabin.
By putting a premium on the narrative, Old Man runs the risk of wearing out its welcome. The great acting and mysterious setup prevent this from happening. As things progress, audiences will find themselves drawn more into the plot despite the relative lack of action.
It all leads to what will be a polarizing ending for many. After a careful buildup that lasts a majority of the film, Old Man rushes towards its conclusion. It is a fun twist and the closing moments are excellent, but the film just seems to jump into its climax.
This does not make Old Man any less entertaining, however. It will invite conversation and have people talking about guilt, remorse, and love. The movie is stripped down and a reminder that the greatest scares are the ones that remain with us.
Old Man is screening at Popcorn Frights
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