Not even a month since A24’sThe Front Roompremiered, the film is already heading for digital release. The horror film is now available to rent or purchase on digital platforms at $19.99 and $24.99 respectively. On paper,The Front Roomhad a lot of impressive talent going for it.Brandyreturns to the horror circle in a film that makes a solid attempt at social commentary. The singer-actor became a cult icon for her role in the early-aughts horror sequel,I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. InThe Front Room, she stars as Belinda, newly pregnant with her first child with her husband, Norman (Andrew Burnap), when they unexpectedly have to invite his estranged stepmother, Solange (Kathryn Hunter) to live with them.
The film is a meditation on religion and race, adapted from the story bySusan Hillof the same name. In addition to the star power of Brandy and Hunter, the film also has the added benefit of the Eggers family.The Front Roomwas written and directed byMaxandSam Eggers, brothers of celebrated director,Robert Eggers. Max co-wrote Eggers’ more bizarre entry,The Lighthouse, starringRobert PattinsonandWillem Dafoe.
Why Did ‘The Front Room’ Fail to Impress at the Box Office?
A24 films typically carry a certain amount of weight, but that didn’t translate inThe Front Room. The studio that brought viewers gems likeMidsommarandI Saw the TV Glowappears to have stumbled with this addition.The Front Roomdid not connect with audiences and critics alike.Rotten Tomatoesawarded the film with a score of 47% with many viewers vilifying the film.CollidergaveThe Front Rooma modest 7/10 in a review that complimented the claustrophobia of the movie.
Many can agree that while Hunter shines as the abhorrent Solange, the film falters in its last act. The malevolent yet repetitious actions by the antagonist become tired to the point where Belinda has no choice but to act.The ending of the filmwas always a foregone conclusion, andThe Front Roomoffers little insight into the social commentary. This likely resulted in a lack of enthusiasm at the box office. However, hope isn’t lost. Some suggest that the best way to view the film is as a horror-comedy, which gives the story much better rewatch value.
Viewers can experience the different perspectives ofThe Front Roomby renting or purchasing on digital platforms.
The Front Room
It tells the story of a newly pregnant couple who are forced to take in an ailing, estranged stepmother.
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