The Front Room – A Bold Return to Horror for Brandy Norwood
Brandy Norwood has had a storied career, not only in music but also in television and film. While she's been involved in various projects—especially around the holiday season—many fans still remember her for her role in the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise. Now, she makes her return to horror in Max and Sam Eggers' The Front Room, a psychological thriller that doesn’t shy away from controversial themes.
At the heart of the film is Kathryn Hunter, who delivers an unforgettable, over-the-top performance as Solange, creating one of the most memorable horror characters in recent memory. Her portrayal is so captivating that, despite the discomfort her character elicits, you can't look away—even when you want to.
The Eggers brothers craft The Front Room with clear influences from Roman Polanski, blending slow-burning suspense with elements of exploitation films—a genre popular during Polanski’s prime. Hunter, known for her work in Macbeth and even the Star Wars franchise, brings her immense talent to the deviant role of the mother-in-law, a performance that feels award-worthy.
While The Front Room may seem like a departure from the Eggers family’s previous work—such as the cult classic The Lighthouse—it still carries the same methodical suspense that their fans have come to expect. As vile as some moments may be, they are laced with small but crucial details that help convey the film’s underlying message.
Thematically, The Front Room speaks to a generation of women told they are unfit to be mothers. Though we haven’t read the short story on which it's based, the commentary is clear. Women, particularly Black women, have long been forced to live up to the expectations of the previous generation. As they strive for independence and identity beyond motherhood, they continue to face criticism for challenging traditional roles. The film embraces this tension, pushing boundaries and forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, no matter how apprehensive the subject matter may be.
Rating: 3/5
The Front Room
Directed by Max and Sam Eggers
Starring Brandy, Andrew Burnap, Neal Huff, and Kathryn Hunter
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