“History of Evil” is a slow and uninspired script that dances around provocative themes without offering any meaningful insight. It’s part of a trend of films addressing the country’s divisions in the 2020s, but it lacks depth, merely exploiting controversial topics without contributing to any real discussion. Despite some effort, the core idea is too weak to salvage.
The core idea of “History of Evil” is reminiscent of “The Shining” but set in a future where hatred has consumed society. The protagonist, Ron, is part of a resistance against a right-wing evangelical regime in 2045. He tries to protect his family, including his wife Alegre, who is a wanted political fugitive. They hide in an abandoned house while waiting for help.
In “History of Evil,” the abandoned house reveals a supernatural twist as it’s haunted by a former KKK member who influences Ron’s beliefs. This shift turns the story into a cautionary tale about how historical violence can taint belief systems.
The idea has potential, but the execution falls short. The performances lack depth, with wooden acting and dialogue that fails to feel real. The supporting cast seems underutilized, only coming into play when needed to reflect the protagonist’s breakdown. Wesley’s portrayal lacks the necessary intensity for a descent into madness. The film fails to capture the Southern Gothic atmosphere needed to effectively portray the unraveling of a man haunted by history. Overall, it lacks the emotional weight required to make the story work.
The concept is promising, but the film’s execution disappoints. Performances feel flat, lacking depth and authenticity. The supporting cast is sidelined, only appearing to mirror the main character’s decline. Wesley’s portrayal lacks the necessary intensity for his character’s descent into madness. The film doesn’t capture the Southern Gothic atmosphere needed to convey the protagonist’s struggle with history. Ultimately, it fails to evoke the emotional depth necessary for the story to resonate.
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Plot | Slow and uninspired script addressing societal divisions with a weak core idea. |
| Setting | Future setting (2045) where society is overrun by right-wing evangelicals. |
| Supernatural Twist | Abandoned house haunted by a former KKK member influences protagonist’s beliefs. |
| Performances | Lack depth and authenticity, with wooden acting and unconvincing dialogue. |
| Supporting Cast | Underutilized, only reflecting protagonist’s breakdown when necessary. |
| Protagonist’s Portrayal | Wesley’s portrayal lacks intensity for the descent into madness required by the role. |
| Atmosphere | Fails to capture the Southern Gothic atmosphere essential for the story’s effectiveness. |
| Emotional Depth | Lacks emotional weight needed to resonate with the audience. |
