Where’s Rose combines the creepy kid trope along with a story that is reminiscent of Irish folklore. Eric (Ty Simpkin) is about to leave for college when his younger sister goes missing. When Rose is found, something about her has changed. Eric must convince his family that something evil lives within the little girl before he goes away to school.
It is a standard setup that constantly works at subverting audience expectations. In this type of story, it is obvious that Eric will not be the clean cut kid that he is made out to be, but it startling just how much he deviates from the image. Where’s Rose does an excellent job of foreshadowing that things are not all they are made out to be in regards to Eric. So much so that the movie’s big reveal almost comes off flat.
Ultimately, this may be the best way to describe Where’s Rose. There are a number of great moments, but the whole story does not gel in the way that it should. Writer-director John Mathis has penned an intriguing story and the camerawork adds to the atmosphere, but some of those well done shots end up giving away too much. The film is far from bad – it is very good at times – but it is also constantly frustrating.
This does not take away from a great performance from Simpkin. He brings the kind of contradictory energy that is needed for the role. The plot intentionally works in lies and half-truths and Simpkin does a great job of adding to the confusion. He conveys a range of emotions needed to engage audiences. Where’s Rose has its flaws, but genre fans will enjoy it.
Where’s Rose comes to VOD August 30
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