It Cuts Deep

The 2020 film "It Cuts Deep" directed by Nicholas Payne Santos is a dramatic horror comedy that strikes an unnerving balance between chilling fear and unexpected humor. Starring Charles Gould, Quinn Jackson, and John Anderson, the movie takes the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, blending the genres of horror, drama, and comedy faultlessly.

In the leading role, Charles Gould plays Sam. Sam is your typical underachiever; he is living a comfortably unambitious life. Known as "that guy,” he's never had to put much effort into anything, until he begins to face the reality that his days of detachment and aimlessness are fading as adulthood comes calling.

Sam is in a long term relationship with Ashley, played by Quinn Jackson. Ashley is an ambitious and deeply caring individual, unlike Sam, she has started contemplating their future more seriously. She is looking to settle down and start a family, and her journey through the film is one of longing and contemplation about the future of their relationship. However, Sam’s fear of commitment and general lack of ambition weighs on them, leading to a strain that serves as a crucial part of the plot.

Things take an unexpected turn when they pay a visit to Sam's hometown for Christmas. Here, they run into Nolan, portrayed authentically by John Anderson, an old friend of Sam. Despite their distant relationship in the past, Nolan appears to have his life together, contrasting sharply with Sam's lifestyle. As Nolan begins to spend more time with Ashley and Sam, it becomes clear that he is not as perfect as he appears. He harbors a dark and secret past beneath his polished exterior.

The encounter with the mysteriously eerie and success-driven personality of Nolan, instigates a sudden wave of insecurity in Sam who starts feeling threatened. He senses a potential threat in Nolan's unsettling presence, igniting a dormant struggle within him to confront his fears, reassess his life choices, and redefine his relationship with Ashley. As Sam battles his internal demons, the story shifts from a light-hearted narrative to a darker, scarier atmosphere, contributing to the brilliance of this horror comedy.

The beauty of "It Cuts Deep" lies in its extraordinary blend of horror and comedy. It cohesively manipulates the two seemingly disparate genres to orchestrate a unique, suspense-filled viewing experience. One moment, the audience will find themselves laughing at the humorous exchanges; the next, they will be gripped by an undercurrent of ominous dread. It is this uncanny juxtaposition of humor and horror that sets "It Cuts Deep" apart.

The performances of Charles Gould, Quinn Jackson, and John Anderson are laudable. They bring charm and authenticity to their characters, allowing viewers to find fragments of their personalities relatable and engaging. Gould's portrayal of Sam adds the perfect touch of realism to the character. At the same time, Jackson brings to life Ashley’s frustration and longing in a captivating manner. And the dark and alluring Nolan as portrayed by Anderson further elevates the mysterious and suspenseful aura of the plot. Their performances harmonize to create an intense viewing experience that captivates the audience till the end.

Further adding to the brilliance, the screenplay is intelligent and thought out, while the direction by Nicholas Santos maintains a seamless flow between scenes. Each dialogue, scene, and gesture flows in a naturally unpredictable rhythm, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The cinematography adds to the overall atmosphere of the film, revealing subtle details that add depth to the narrative, character development, and pacing.

In conclusion, "It Cuts Deep" dives into the human fear of commitment and explores how it might manifest in terrifying ways when confronted with the prospect of change. It is a psychological voyage into the depth of human insecurities underlined by the question: is it the fear of the unknown which is more horrific or the inability to face and embrace the inevitable?

While it’s filled with spine-chilling moments, "It Cuts Deep" also manages to keep the audience chuckling, delivering a film experience that is refreshingly original, impactful and truly cuts deep. If you're seeking a movie that deviates from traditional genres and offers a refreshingly unique blend of thrills, chills, and laughs – this is surely one for your watchlist.