by Christian Grullon, Contributing Writer
When a group of close friends decides to mess with a scary, forbidden stack of cards, things turn very deadly for them. Directed by Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg, Tarot takes viewers on a scary supernatural journey of fate.
The film begins innocently when a group of friends, Pagie (Avantika), Paxton (Jacob Batalon), ex-boyfriend and girlfriend Haley and Grant (Harriet Slater and Adain Bradley), Lucas (Wolfgang Novogratz), Madeline (Humberly Gonzalez), and Elise, the birthday girl (Larsen Thompson), are celebrating Elise’s birthday.
Things slowly go haywire when they come across an old stack of cards containing a hidden evil based on astrological signs. They end up summoning fates worse than death. The movie is a new take on the classic horror genre, with an exciting storyline and a take on fate to keep audiences engaged.
The casting is outstanding in the film, giving the audience a Gen Z feeling. Each character has a unique personality. From the start, the chemistry between the actors is noticeable, which makes it easier to connect with their characters. The audience can easily invest in the relationship between the characters.
There is also good pacing. The story unfolds smoothly, making it easier to invest in scares and suspense. The filmmakers do an excellent job of keeping the tension alive without relying on typical jump scares. Every scene constantly has the audience on their toes, and the horror elements slowly make their way into the story.
The biggest strength of the movie, though, is its stunning visuals, with the cinematography and production design manifesting themselves in the mansion to give a horror-like feel. Thanks to the visuals, we get a good impression of what a haunted environment could look like.
Although the film has its strengths, it does have some cons. A glaring issue is that the film is too predictable. The characters’ fates are too obvious, and not enough is made interesting for twists and turns. It would have been nice to have the characters have a way out, instead of being sealed to their ultimate fate of death. The dialogue feels forced and bland at times, and Haley sounds like a religious zealot in attributing her friends’ deaths to fate.
Overall, Tarot is a solid horror film. Its greatest strengths are the cast, pacing, storytelling, and visuals. While the film does have a glaring weakness with its predictability, it is still well-crafted overall.
Rating: Liked It
Tarot is currently playing in theaters
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