The Playground (2017) User Reviews

Morality plays

[vmalast · 3/10 · 5 October 2018]

This movie is a series of morality plays that eventually come together as one story. As in all morality plays, the choices made, have consequences. It's a lengthy film and I feel as if the quality of the acting and writing was sacrificed. The acting and dialogue was wooden and and forced as if reading directly from cue cards. I didn't feel anything from or for the characters, just empty. There was so much potential here. I feel a better budgeting would have made this film as good as it should have been.

Reminds me of an old Bob Dylan song ...

[nybackgammon-1 · 3/10 · 23 August 2020]

That song is "Mixed Up Confusion". I have seen a LOT of movies and this had to be without a doubt the most confusing one EVER. And the fact that it dragged on for 2 1/2 hours didn't help much.

slow burn solid indie

[thejhorton · 16 July 2020]

Creep tone, aided by solid camera work and good score. Strong themes about free will. clocks in at nearly 2 and a half hours, coulda been a little tighter.

Absolutely Terrible

[jschnepp-00161 · 2/10 · 30 September 2019]

This was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. Horrible acting, overly long, I got angry just watching it. Why someone would make a movie like this baffles me. Do not watch. PLEASE

Meh it's bleh

[lr-31161 · 1/10 · 2 April 2020]

The people from this film are from "the playground". Weak performances and hackneyed filmmaking

will ever find the illusive solution to the FAKE reviews?

[ferdmalenfant · 1/10 · 29 December 2019]

Another terrible piece of crap rolled up into a "movie", if you can call this thing a movie. No direction, no one can act and no one should watch and waste their time like I just did. 10 out of 10 LMAO, yeah right!

Boring On So Many Levels

[darad · 1/10 · 13 November 2020]

It builds itself into something that it isn't. It has that oh too familiar low, low budget look, that you just know is going to be nothing else but a stink bomb. Unknown awful actors making up a plot as they go and it goes nowhere fast. Very boring garbage that's more torture than entertaining. Some people go to bed with the TV on to help them sleep, so they turn on anything besides informercials, this would be one of those shows.

Great Anthology

[jbmaughon · 7/10 · 15 August 2020]

The Playground interweaves numerous stories into one very well paced tale. This well shot and directed movie reveals exciting and engaging themes throughout. The Playground is exciting and leaves you thrilled in the end.

Great, unique movie

[aashabai · 10/10 · 26 December 2018]

With all the movies out there that lack substance, I really enjoyed this movie for its unique take and spin on classic themes and storylines that will resonate with any viewer. The movie does a great job of weaving the different characters' storylines into one thrilling narrative that is full of subversive lessons, take aways and "samplings" from classic storylines.

Like an Old Tale Told in Modern Day

[doleboyster · 9/10 · 26 December 2018]

This story is uniquely fashioned from old tales that have been spun together into a modern day setting. As a thriller, this film was deeply engaging as it jumps from a few different character's stories into one grand finale. The primary theme in this movie is about making the right choices in life regardless of where you find yourself. Although this movie is lengthy, the pace of the story is quick and kept me entrenched until the end. The episodic feel of this movie also makes it feel kinda like a well developed Greek tragedy. I highly recommend this movie to anyone looking for a thriller that goes deeper than just suspense.

Thought provoking with a nice pace

[mandymundo · 8/10 · 30 July 2019]

This movie kept me intrigued and really had me thinking. This is the type of movie that will stick with you as you make decisions throughout your life.

Will make you think for days

[bbills-60248 · 10/10 · 28 December 2018]

I haven't seen a movie like this in a long time. I was left thinking about the themes that were brought forth by this movie for days after. I don't want to give too much away but the way the different plots game together was masterful and insightful. It's rare to have high minded content combined with artistic talent and creativity.

Twisting tales of suspense and drama

[williamgway · 9/10 · 18 July 2020]

The Playground is a deftly directed film with multiple story lines. Overall, it woks very well. I wondered when I read the review if I would enjoy 'multiple' tales. But each is unique, well written and well acted. And there are some twists so stay tuned. I recommend in a setting with others to talk about the film.

Thought-provoking morality plays

[JCanni68 · 8/10 · 17 July 2020]

I found this indie thriller pleasantly satisfying, as it explored classic moral themes in a contemporary setting. It's depth and ability to challenge the audience elevate it from modern Hollywood fluff. Well shot and well structured, the individual stories weave together in a fulfilling way. Despite the runtime, it kept me engaged with it's compelling storylines.

Thought provoking film

[lindapalmer · 8/10 · 24 July 2020]

With multiple story lines, skillful direction and solid acting, I was remarkably engaged. The only critique I would have is trimming it by 30 min. Still worth the watch!

Compelling cinema

[beemtoaustin · 9/10 · 31 July 2020]

This is a truly interesting film built on the concept of an anthology, but avoids slipping into a series of short tales entirely by guiding the individual plot-lines towards a rewarding and compelling ending, the chapters bound tightly together with a very effect soundtrack. If like me you seek thought-provoking cinema, you will find much to like and remember in The Playground.

This movie was a fun watch.

[dlmyst-29813 · 8/10 · 10 January 2021]

At first I thought it was an anthology but it's not. You need to pay attention to the story and little by little all the pieces starts to fall in place. When you think a scene means one thing but in reality it means something different when you take everything into perspective. Here's a clue, pay attention to the actors eyes. There's a direct correlation between some of the characters and you need to figure it out from there;) Again, fun watch and definitely a must see.

Bone Chilling

[derrickfury-876-127358 · 8/10 · 30 July 2020]

This is a well thought out horror film with a sinister tone and a interwoven style of storytelling. Its shot perfectly for a horror movie, its well acted and nicely directed as well. If your looking for a good scare, check this movie out.

A solid indie film

[craigahrens · 8/10 · 21 July 2020]

What a gem of a film. Very well written, acted and directed. I thought the director did a really good job in telling the story without the film becoming boring or flat. The actors were good as well. I thought they all did a solid job! I particularly liked how this film makes you think and how satan tempts us. This film kept me guessing along the way. Bravo to all!! Well done!!

Interesting, thoughtful, with a The Shining-like creepiness

[campbelljon2011-823-278321 · 10/10 · 4 September 2021]

The Playground checks all the boxes necessary in order for me to consider it an effective and satisfying work of masterful filmmaking in which I often dismiss as sorely lacking in the horror genre.

If your preference for horror is similar to mine, you will be impressed with this film. It's 2:35 minutes long and it is somewhat slow paced for the most part however the time and patience invested here will ultimately satisfy one's desire to complete a rewarding experience in horror.

Producer, writer and director Endreace Purmul delivers a subtle balance of disturbing suspense, unpredictability and cleverly developed storytelling in The Playground. I am one who is not easily impressed, often bored, impatient and ,more often than not, dissatisfied in my search for satisfying experiences in the horror genre.

Endreace Purmul receives my highest recommendation for this dark, The Shining-like creepiness he delivers in The Playground.

10/10.