The Djinn

The Djinn is a horror movie directed by David Charbonier and Justin Powell that was released in 2021. The movie stars Ezra Dewey, Rob Brownstein, and Tevy Poe. The plot of the film follows a young boy named Dylan Jacobs who, after moving to a new apartment with his dad, discovers a mysterious book that promises to grant his heart's desires. Dylan decides to perform a ritual from the book in order to summon a Djinn, a malevolent supernatural being from Middle Eastern folklore that can grant wishes, but at a terrible cost.

As the night wears on and the Djinn begins to prey on Dylan, the boy must figure out how to defeat it before it takes his soul. The majority of the film takes place in Dylan's apartment, with the camera constantly moving and shifting, creating a disorienting atmosphere throughout the movie.

Ezra Dewey, who was only 10 years old at the time of filming, plays the lead character Dylan Jacobs. His performance is impressive, with the young actor accurately conveying the character's fear and desperation, making the audience care for him as he struggles to survive.

Rob Brownstein plays Michael, Dylan's dad, who is struggling to come to terms with the death of his wife. Michael's storyline brings a much-needed depth to the movie, particularly in scenes where he is attempting to reconnect with his son.

Tevy Poe is only briefly seen as a woman who hands Dylan the book that sets the events of the movie in motion. Despite her limited screen time, her performance leaves an impact, as her character's actions serve as a catalyst for the horrifying events that unfold.

The movie's pacing is excellent, with the tension slowly building throughout the first half before ramping up significantly in the second. The film is incredibly atmospheric, and the music and sound design help to enhance the experience. The set design is minimal but effective, with the apartment's lighting providing a sense of unease that permeates the entire film.

Overall, The Djinn is a tightly-wound horror movie that manages to create an atmosphere of dread and tension that constantly keeps the audience on edge. While it follows familiar horror tropes, particularly the idea of the "monkey's paw" style of wish fulfillment, the movie makes them feel fresh through clever use of the Djinn mythology. The young actor's performance is particularly noteworthy, as the audience is forced to root for a child who has effectively summoned a demon.

While the movie is at times predictable, with some of the scares feeling familiar, the execution is strong enough to maintain the viewer's interest. The Djinn is an excellent entry in the horror genre, and a superb example of how to make a movie with a minimal budget that still manages to be impactful.