The Harrowing (2017) User Reviews

Is this the real life?

[BandSAboutMovies · 4/10 · 23 December 2018]

Vice detective Ryan Calhoun (Matthew Tompkins, Sicario) is one of the best cops on the force. But after his partner is ritualistically murdered, his need to discover the truth takes over his life, sending home to a hospital that becomes his own private hell.

Even worse, Calhoun is suspected of the murder. Going undercover in a mental hospital, he tries to keep himself sane while remembering his life - he's married, he's a good cop and demons can't be real. He learns that nothing is - or isn't - the way he believes it is. Yes, that sentence is confusing but so is the life our hero is about to plunge himself into.

The Harrowing has some star power, with Arnold Vosloo from the Mummy films and Michael Ironside. I really liked the film's look and how it gets progressively grimier and weirder as we get closer to the inevitable conclusion. It's very Shutter Island but that isn't a bad thing. I mean, that movie didn't have demons with branches and blood spraying out of their heads.

Great Potential

[ferdmalenfant · 4/10 · 29 December 2018]

This low budget twisted thriller had some great acting by Matthew Tompkins (lead actor) but even his acting chops couldn't bring this one out of the sloppy script. The premise is original enough and redone with a new script and a bit more money thrown at it, it could become one of the greats. It's lacking in good CGI's and the "demons" leave a lot to be desired as for being frightening. It's worth a watch just for the acting and originality.

Dumb!

[africe · 2/10 · 29 August 2019]

This is the biggest waste of time I've spent in some time. Movie had no direction at all. Lame ass storyline and stupid hospital depiction. Big fn waste.

A suspenseful, thrilling ride

[aprilhartman · 6/10 · 18 June 2019]

Full of suspense! This film wrapped me up in its chilling world. I was all in! The entire cast did a fabulous job of bringing some pretty wild characters to life. Very well done and directed! You'll have to watch it again and again and maybe one more time after that to make sure you didn't miss something and you'll have questions after, many questions. BUT...it pulls you in. Well played sir!!

*Psycho Thriller Qu'est-ce que c'est

[Ken-Orman · 9/10 · 3 January 2019]

Outstanding performances and a mindbending, twisty plot make this one a must see for horror and psycho-thriller fans. It starts as a procedural cop drama and ends somewhere between Psycho, Shutter Island and Jacob's Ladder.

Matthew Tompkins nails the war-weary Det. Calhoun, whose burdens of past mistakes haunt his core. That's where Jon Keeye's script and sure-handed direction blend reality and nightmare.

Adding to mystery is a great mix of characters who include genre mainstays Michael Ironside, Arnold Vosloo and Morgana Shaw.

An outstanding score, cinematography and FX are absolutely to be applauded.

Happy to be a part of and to recommend.

*Associate Producer

Blown Away

[audrey_rowden · 8/10 · 30 December 2018]

Jon Keeyes best film to date. Matthew Tompkins was brilliant as lead and the supporting cast did not disappoint. Jon and Matthew have proven once again what a great team they make.

I'm not going to spoil a moment but pay attention to details. Pay attention to everything. I was so blown away at one point I had to rewind and watch it again just to make sure I fully grasped that twist.

Jon Keeyes should write a Black Mirror episode. Just saying.

STUNNING, VISCERAL SUPERNATURAL THRILLER!!!

[j76133 · 10/10 · 31 December 2018]

I highly recommend this excellent thriller. I won't give away the plot and will make this review brief, but kudos to all the cast and crew. Top notch perfomances from Mattew Tompkins in the lead as Ryan Calhoun, as the cop who is plunged into a nightmare you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Wonderful support from genre icons, Michael Ironside and Arnold Vosloo, and Arianne Martin as the wife of our troubled hero. I was totally gripped by the movie, and all I really need to say is simply: SEE THIS FILM!!

Madness or Horror?

[CTBEnt · 10/10 · 6 September 2019]

In the latest offering from the team of Jon Keeyes and Mathew Tompkins, The Harrowing speeds along like a fever dream. After a series of brutal murders, Det. Ryan Calhoun begins to believe there may be demonic involvement. Or is he losing his mind? I won't give it away here, mostly because after several viewings...I'm not sure. With each viewing I can argue either case. The supporting cast is great starting with the magnificent Arnold Vosloo and Michael Ironside. Also noteworthy is Morgana Shaw as a mystery woman who 'happens' to show up whenever Calhoun least expects. Tompkins brings Calhoun's uncertainty, drive, vulnerability and horror (and madness?) to life in a career high performance.

Great Film

[eric-694 · 10/10 · 29 January 2019]

Jon Keeyes is presenting us with one of his best films to date. A twisting, turning journey into madness. I loved how he blurred the lines of reality. There are so many subtle elements you'll be glad your streaming it so you can stop and go back to see if you really did see what you thought you did. I don't want to go into to much detail or I'd spoil the ride for you. Just know it's worth the watch.

Also check out Mr. Keeyes other latest release Doom Room.

My Review Of "The Harrowing"

[ASouthernHorrorFan · 8/10 · 31 December 2018]

Keeyes story blends fantasy horror with seedy crime syndicate concepts that are poignant to real world issues. It is quite a heady storyline with a deeper meaning snaked through the film, revealing a larger story at play. It isnt a new idea to use a plotline as a metaphor of sorts to tell a bigger story , but Keeyes gets gritty and almost masterful in his attempt in a most creative way.

The characters are fully realized. Easily recognizable, even as unsavory as most are, and you can connect with their plight. "The Harrowing" is a transitional nightmare that plays with perceptions. Although at times the film hits lags with wordy cliché dialog, there is not a moment you forget what you are watching. Mostly because the horror of the previous scenes or the understanding that things are going to get even more horrible afterwards.

There are a few moments that hurt "The Harrowing". During the midway point as things get clearer, during the story transition, the story gets a bit muddled in the beginning. Luckily just as it feels Keeves could be heading off the rails , the muddle fades and the story rebounds and kicks in to high gear. You still are made to watch the story unfold with a big question mark overhead, but that is intentioal.

Overall "The Harrowing" is a killer movie. The special effects are stellar, both CGI and practical. I felt like I was watching a true modern giallo, with all the blood and gore a horror fan could want for. The creature design, what time it is on screen is awesome, I wanted more of it. Definitely check this one out.

Outstanding cast

[pamcorytexas · 10/10 · 20 January 2019]

Scary, shocking, extremely entertaining. Definitely a film not just for fans of horror. In addition to an outstanding cast, the story line is strong and intriguing with twists and turns that elevate the film above the average expectation for films in this genre.

Edge of your seat thriller!

[holleich · 10/10 · 31 December 2018]

I am no horror film expert, but I really enjoyed this film. I thought it was well acted, filmed and written. The plot was well executed!

Love the twist!

[klorysa · 8/10 · 5 September 2019]

Looking for a movie with suspense and twists? Check this one out, had me on the edge of my seat. Loved it!