"Malum," an intriguing horror film, details the eerie and daunting experiences of a novice police officer during her initial night of duty, with the movie’s execution taking center stage despite its humble budget.
The narrative revolves around Jessica Lauren. She is portrayed by Jessica Sula, a rookie cop following in the footsteps of her late father, Will (Eric Olson). It was precisely a year ago that Will met his end after participating in a raid on a cultist-infested compound. The cult members worshipped a demon, performing murderous sacrifices to nourish its strength. Rumors circulate that Will, having saved three women but failing to rescue a fourth, took his own life after killing several colleagues at the same police station where Jessica now stands guard.
As the plot unfolds, buried secrets emerge. They present a fuller picture of her father's tragic past and offer reasons for Jessica's unwelcoming reception at the station. Despite the sexism and contempt she encounters, Jessica continues to face strange incidents. From receiving threatening prank calls to a bizarre break-in by a large homeless man and the presence of a large hog marked with a pentagram at the front door. Reports suggest that chaos is erupting in the town on the anniversary of the raid. Cultists and sympathizers are stirring up trouble and the police force is overwhelmed.
"Malum" is not your standard horror film. It's an immersive experience, similar to entering a 'haunted house' attraction on Halloween. It masterfully crafts suspense, leading up to the shocking jump scares, gory CGI effects, and glimpses of gruesome mutilations crafted by RussellFX. As the narrative evolves, the station transforms into a chilling maze. Eerie entities sporadically appear from the shadows, blood smears the walls, and sporadic lighting creates a strobe effect. The film consistently teases the line between Jessica’s reality and hallucination, culminating in an unexpected revelation.
Although jump scares effectively provide the thrills audiences seek, "Malum" shines when the talented cast explores the enjoyable material. One memorable scene involves Chaney Morrow, portraying cult leader John Malum, terrifying viewers with a direct gaze into the camera.
Anthony DiBlasi, the film’s director, co-writer, and editor, skillfully fuses elements of two iconic John Carpenter films, "Assault on Precinct 13" and "Prince of Darkness," adding a menacing synth score by Samuel Laflamme. The final third of the movie may lack narrative coherence, but it stands out in terms of cinematography, camera movements, and physical performances. The crew demonstrates an impressive utilization of a single location, striking visuals, compelling music, and smart effects budget management.
For fans of indie horror trivia, it's worth noting that "Malum" is a remake of DiBlasi’s 2014 film, "Last Shift." Both films share a similar plot. They involve a rookie policewoman in an abandoned police station, dealing with cultists a year after a police-cult confrontation. However, the remade "Malum" diverges significantly in style and storytelling from its predecessor. It offers an energetic, dense, and fast-paced narrative, underscored by a wall-of-sound synth beats and chords that add a certain vibrancy to the film.
Both versions, in their unique approaches, make a compelling case for their screening as a double feature at a horror film festival. The original is minimalistic and atmospheric, relying heavily on auditory spooks, with little gore, and a simple storyline. In contrast, the remake is extravagant and complex, filled with detailed effects, and wrapped in a maximalist aesthetic. Despite the differences, both films effectively captivate the audience, leaving one curious about what a third iteration could offer.
