The Goblin

The Goblin is a bone-chilling horror film produced in 2017 that masterfully engages audiences with its unconventional storytelling and foreboding atmosphere. Directed by Peter Hodge and featuring captivating performances by Robert Levey II, Nicole Hargrove, and Josh Collins, The Goblin dives into the labyrinth of a child's worst nightmares and features a compelling intertwining of mythical folklore and psychological terror.

The film establishes its eerie tone from the beginning in a quiet, isolated farmhouse. The environment is an important character in itself; the secluded, rural setting provides a perfect backdrop where fears and demons take on tangible forms and salvation seems light-years away. The stars of the film, Robert Levey II, Nicole Hargrove, and Josh Collins, breathe life into this desolate scenario, infusing the story with their raw and haunting performances.

In the narrative, young father Tom (Robert Levey II) lives with his mentally unstable wife, Amanda (Nicole Hargrove), and their innocent yet troubled son Nathan (Josh Collins), in the isolated woodland. The film takes a dark turn when Nathan starts claiming the existence of a malicious presence in the form of a goblin. Is it just a figment of the boy's imagination, or does the goblin truly exist? As a man of reason, Tom struggles with these questions while he deals with internal horrors of his own – misgivings, fear, and the pressure to keep his family safe.

Robert Levey II delivers a compelling portrayal of a father caught in a conflicting battle with the supernatural and his own personal demons. He skilfully captures the essence of his character's intricate emotional turmoil and ethereal fear. Nicole Hargrove, on the other hand, lends a haunting charm to her character Amanda. Her portrayal of a mentally unstable woman is harrowing and soul-stirring. In the role of Nathan is Josh Collins, who shines as the tormented young child, conveying a sense of fear and dread that remains with you long after the credits roll.

The Goblin is marked by its well-designed scares that come not only from the ghostly entity but also from the chilling interactions and the claustrophobic tension between the characters. The direction by Peter Hodge is excellent with effortlessly maintained suspense throughout the movie. Each shot and scene contributes to the overall eeriness, accompanied by an evocative sound design that amplifies the horror.

One of the movie's unique strengths is its ability to blend psychological and supernatural horror seamlessly. This results in unraveling layers of fear—fear of the known and the unknown, fear of losing control, fear of isolation and, most horribly, fear of the very loved ones meant to provide safety. It uses suspense rather than shock, slowly revealing hints of the lurking horror, while leaving largely to the viewers' imagination the true form and nature of the dreaded goblin.

Further enriching the plot, The Goblin uses folklore to toy with the viewers' perception of reality, creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread. This feature also raises an intriguing question about the power of shared beliefs and fears to manifest themselves physically.

While The Goblin is a terrifying journey into the darkest recesses of the human psyche, it is also a somber exploration into broader themes such as familial relationships, fear, mental illness, and the concept of reality. For those who appreciate horror that is not just about the scares but also an exploration of deeper, more sinister human fears, this is the perfect film.

In essence, The Goblin is a meticulously woven tale of horror that plunges you into a claustrophobic world of fear and leaves a lingering sense of discomfort. The film's incredible performances, well-crafted suspense, and chilling atmosphere stand out, giving you a ghastly experience that numbs your senses as the end credits roll.