Red Lights

Some films try to blend intellectual thriller with supernatural intrigue, but 'Red Lights' falls short of its ambitious goals. The premise is engaging, yet the execution leaves a lot to be desired.

Chasing the Supernatural

In 'Red Lights,' we follow two paranormal investigators, Dr. Margaret Matheson and her assistant Tom Buckley, as they aim to debunk psychic phenomena. Their world is turned upside down with the return of Simon Silver, a notorious blind psychic. The film details Tom's obsessive pursuit to uncover the truth behind Silver’s supposed abilities, leading to a series of unsettling events that challenge his skepticism. As the story unfolds, themes of obsession and the conflict between science and the supernatural come to the forefront, but these ideas struggle to find a definitive resolution, leaving the narrative feeling somewhat hollow by the end.

Talent That Fizzles Out

Cillian Murphy delivers a solid performance as Tom, showcasing the character's evolution from a skeptic to an obsessive believer. Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Margaret is competent, but her character often feels underutilized, lacking depth in critical moments. Robert De Niro, playing Simon Silver, adds gravitas, yet his character often teeters into cliché, failing to fully realize the potential of a legendary psychic. The supporting cast, including Elizabeth Olsen and Toby Jones, provide decent performances, but their characters largely exist as plot devices rather than fully fleshed out individuals, diluting the emotional stakes.

Dark Tones, Missed Opportunities

Rodrigo Cortés attempts to create a tense atmosphere through dim lighting and sharp cuts, yet the film feels visually unremarkable for a thriller. While some scenes succeed in building suspense, others drag on too long, disrupting the pacing. The static camera work often fails to engage the viewer, leading to moments that feel tedious rather than gripping. The director's ambitious vision of blending science with the supernatural is commendable, but ultimately, it comes off as a missed opportunity when combined with the underwhelming visuals and lack of dynamic direction.

A Tense Yet Slow Experience

Watching 'Red Lights' is a mixed experience—moments of genuine tension are often offset by stretches of boredom. The pacing falters, particularly in the second act, where the film meanders and loses its grip on the audience. Emotional stakes appear to rise but rarely pay off, leaving viewers frustrated as the plot seems to stall instead of building momentum. While there are intriguing concepts about belief and skepticism, the lack of impactful emotional moments makes it difficult to fully invest in the characters and their journeys.