They Wait

They Wait is a 2007 horror movie directed by Ernie Barbarash and starring Jaime King, Terry Chen, and Pei-Pei Cheng. The movie takes place in Vancouver, Canada, and follows John and his wife Sarah, who are dealt a devastating blow when their five-year-old son dies suddenly. They travel to Vancouver to attend his funeral and stay with John's Chinese mother, who reveals that the family has a strong connection to the spiritual world.

As John tries to cope with his son's death, he learns that his mother and sister are part of a community that performs traditional Chinese rituals to communicate with the dead. John is skeptical at first, but as he begins to witness strange occurrences in the house and experience vivid nightmares, he starts to believe that something supernatural is going on.

John and Sarah soon realize that there is more to their son's death than they originally thought. They discover that a vengeful spirit has been unleashed, seeking revenge on those responsible for its wrongful death. John, Sarah, and his family must work together to prevent the spirit from claiming any more innocent lives.

The movie is a slow-burning horror that builds tension and scares through atmosphere and mood rather than jump scares or elaborate special effects. The supernatural elements are rooted in Chinese mythology and culture, offering a unique perspective on the horror genre. The creepy imagery, haunting score, and dark cinematography add to the overall sense of dread and foreboding.

The performances are excellent, with Jaime King delivering a standout turn as Sarah, the grieving mother struggling to hold on to her sanity. Pei-Pei Cheng also shines as John's mother, conveying both warmth and an underlying intensity as she tries to protect her family.

They Wait is a well-crafted horror movie that balances supernatural scares with emotional weight. It explores the themes of grief, loss, and familial relationships, weaving them seamlessly into the horror narrative. It is a must-watch for fans of slow-burning horror movies that rely on psychological horror and atmosphere rather than jump scares or gore.

Overall, They Wait is a highly underrated horror gem that deserves more attention than it received upon its initial release. It is a haunting and atmospheric movie that will stick with you long after the credits roll.