PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Edgar Allen Poe’s The Oval Portrait is a story that has had several different variations, leading to Adrian Langley’s modern telling, which is honestly more terrifying than the story itself. The film has rolled right under the radar since 1972. I don’t understand how people could look right past this story.
Let’s get into the review.
Synopsis
A thief, artist, and shopkeeper are pulled into the orbit of a haunted portrait connected to a vengeful ghost.
The Rundown
What I enjoyed the most about this modern telling is that we have the foreboding feeling of dread. I found the film to be an effigy of another time. A time like now, where CGI dominates the film industry, The Oval Portrait depends on some basic elements; however, the aesthetic creates a very odd feeling in your bones. You may look over it just a few times before the film kicks into high gear. Even though there was little to no practical FX, but its OK to look past that. Find the one moment that will stay in your brain for days to come.
The Oval Portrait was written in a time when people could be scared over the slightest cold draft. We have come a long way; we have gotten gorier and scarier. There are almost no boundaries in horror anymore. Though I love movies like the Terrifier series, it can get old sometimes. In those times, you need to curl up on the couch and watch this film. The Oval Portrait blurs the balance between black and white. Though there were a lot of jump scares, I am a haunter, so I definitely get it. Everyone wants that one moment that will attract attention. I didn’t happen to find it in this film. However, I am well-seasoned in the horror genre, so I tend to look for imperfections more than enjoying a movie sometimes. However, The Oval Portrait is one of my favorite stories for this same reason.
The film takes you into another world, where darkness prevails in the most haunting ways. Though it has modern characters with modern jobs, such as an artist, working on their best collections. The Oval Portrait reminds me of movies such as Rose Red; there was always someone waiting in the dark. I won’t lie, it seemed like I didn’t like the film in the beginning, then it grabbed my hand and took me on a wild ride. It is easy to drop into Fansasy all the while listening intently to the dialogue.
In The End
I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Adrian Langley found that sweet spot for me. I have the attention span of a rabid weasel. It is hard to keep me fully into a film. I do my best not to get distracted. The Oval Portrait has gone through so many interpretations; this is the one I like the most. Watch the film for yourself and see if you agree with this review. The Oval Portrait is set to release on October 10th, 2025. Don’t sleep on it, you will thank me for not wasting your time.
