Tarot (2024) : "A chilling blend of horoscopes and horror that will keep you guessing until the end."

 

Director, Writer, Screenplay: Spenser Cohen, Anna Halberg

Starring: Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Jacob Batalon, Avantika, Humberly González, Wolfgang Novogratz, Larsen Thompson, Olwen Fouéré

Producers: Elysa Koplovitz Dutton, Leslie Morgenstein, Scott Glassgold

Production House: Screen Gems, Alloy Entertainment

Cinematography: Alice Green

Music Director: Robert Black

Editor: Christopher Harris

Genre:Horror

Language:English

Runtime:120 minutes

OTT Platform: Netflix

Plot

"Tarot" intertwines the mystical world of horoscopes with spine-chilling horror, drawing viewers into a narrative where an astrologer’s ghost haunts and influences the lives of a group of friends. As they delve deeper into the astrologer's mysterious past, they encounter terrifying supernatural events that challenge their understanding of fate and free will.

Performances

Harriet Slater:

Harriet Slater delivers a standout performance, particularly excelling in the horoscopic and horror scenes, bringing a sense of authenticity and fear to her role.

Adain Bradley:

Adain Bradley adds depth to the group dynamic, bringing a mix of skepticism and bravery to the unfolding supernatural events.

Jacob Batalon:

Jacob Batalon adds much-needed comic relief in a few scenes, balancing the film's darker moments with humor. His timing and delivery provide a lighthearted counterpoint to the horror.

Avantika:

Avantika portrays Paige, bringing a calm and rational perspective to the group. Her steady performance helps ground the more intense and frantic moments, providing balance to the ensemble cast.

Humberly González:

Humberly González adds emotional depth with a blend of courage and fear, particularly in the scenes where the group's bond is tested by the haunting events.

Wolfgang Novogratz:

Wolfgang Novogratz delivers a solid performance, portraying the logical and protective friend who often clashes with the supernatural elements but stands by his friends in critical moments.

Larsen Thompson:

Larsen Thompson brings vulnerability and determination, enhancing the group's dynamic as they face the supernatural threats together.

Olwen Fouéré:

Olwen Fouéré effectively embodies the eerie and otherworldly presence of Alma, the astrologer who is revealed to be a ghost, driving the film's horror.

Technical Aspects

Director, Writer, Screenplay

Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg successfully visualize the adaptation of the book, skillfully handling the horror elements and maintaining a gripping atmosphere. Despite some pacing issues in the second half, the direction remains compelling, with certain scenes standing out for their brilliance.

Cinematography

Alice Green's cinematography shines in several key scenes, particularly with the horrific back-side cam walks, enhancing the film's spooky ambiance and adding depth to the horror experience.

Music

While Robert Black's background score is somewhat minimalistic, the sound effects are exceptional, heightening the horror experience with well-timed screams and eerie sounds that contribute to the overall tension.

Writer

Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg's adaptation captures the essence of the book, though some plot elements, particularly the climax, could have been better developed. There are a few plot holes that raise questions about the story's coherence.

Editor

Christopher Harris sets the mood perfectly with blink shots and sudden demon appearances, creating effective jump scares and maintaining a suspenseful rhythm throughout the film.

Production Values

The production values are high, providing the necessary resources to bring the horror elements to life effectively, ensuring a visually and audibly engaging experience.

Strengths

• Unique concept blending horoscopes with horror
• Effective horror scenes
• First half

Weaknesses

• Some illogical scenes
• Pace in Second Half

My Personal Take on Cinema

"Tarot" is a movie with a strong concept that successfully blends the mystical and the macabre. As an adaptation of a horror book, it captivates in the first half with its intriguing premise and well-crafted horror scenes. However, the second half's pacing issues and a somewhat unsatisfying climax, where plot armors are used to save characters, detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the film’s good cinematography, sound design, and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch for horror enthusiasts.

Rating: 2.75/5