The Chair

The Chair is a 2021 psychological horror movie directed by Chad Ferrin and written by Erin Kohut. The film stars Naomi Grossman, Noah Schnapp, and Bill Oberts Jr., among others.

The Chair follows the story of a young girl named Rose (played by newcomer Madelyn Kientz), who is being haunted by something evil lurking in the shadows of her family's vacation cabin. Her father, Richard (Oberts Jr.), is a veteran who struggles with PTSD after serving in Iraq, and her mother, Charlotte (Grossman), is a writer who is trying to finish her book.

As the family settles in, Rose begins to have nightmares and sees visions of a twisted figure lurking behind the titular chair in the cabin. Her parents initially dismiss her fears as mere childhood imagination, but as the events escalate, they become convinced that something dark and malevolent is indeed haunting their daughter.

Meanwhile, Charlotte discovers a strange manuscript hidden in the cabin's attic, written by the cabin's previous owner, a reclusive artist named Ray (Timothy Muskatell). The manuscript tells the story of a demon that possesses and kills its victims, and Charlotte becomes convinced that the demon is the same entity haunting her daughter.

As the family's fears escalate, they turn to local authorities for help, but the local sheriff (Schnapp) is skeptical of their claims, believing that the family is merely suffering from a shared delusion caused by the isolation and stress of their situation.

As the situation spirals out of control, Richard, Charlotte, and the sheriff must race against time to uncover the truth behind the haunting and save Rose before it's too late.

The Chair is a chilling, atmospheric horror movie that builds tension slowly but steadily, drawing viewers into the characters' fears and paranoia. The film's setting in a remote cabin in the woods adds to the sense of claustrophobia and isolation, heightening the tension and sense of dread.

The performances, particularly by the three leads, are strong and convincing, imbuing their characters with a sense of empathy and vulnerability that makes their struggles all the more compelling. Oberts Jr. is particularly impressive as Richard, perfectly capturing the character's PTSD and struggle to protect his family.

The film's use of practical effects and practical sets also adds to its effectiveness as a horror movie, creating a palpable sense of physical danger and dread that permeates the film's every moment.

One of the film's few drawbacks is its pacing, which may be too slow and deliberate for some viewers who prefer faster-paced horror movies. However, for those willing to stick with it, The Chair delivers a satisfying and sufficiently creepy horror experience that is well worth a watch.