An unusual horror film that has been described as a title that not all viewers will be able to handle is streaming now on Netflix.
The Block Island Sound was initially released on the platform back in 2021 after a successful stint at festivals and is still gaining new fans. The film has recently received a physical 4K Blu Ray release in some markets, which has resulted in those who have not heard of the movie before to check it out on the streaming platform.
In the film, a fisherman’s family encounter horrors and dark truths when an ominous force off the coast of Block Island, a real place near Rhode Island, begins killing wildlife. What ensues is a tense crawl towards revelation of what is really going on. The film was written and directed by brothers Kevin and Matthew McManus. It stars Chris Sheffield, known for previous roles in The Maze Runner films and Transformers Dark of the Moon.
The Block Island Sound is a mix between horror and science fiction genres, and was a hit among critics. It boasts a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer said: “This moody and mysterious horror thriller grabbed my attention and did not let go until the very end.” While another claimed the film “is a visually arresting and genre-defying movie full of intrigue.”
However, fans of the film have warned other potential viewers that no everyone will be able to handle it. They explain this is due to the unusual approach to horror. Instead of focusing on monsters of scenes of gore, the film chooses to concentrate on a slow build up of suspense. One fan simply said: “This film is weird and brilliant. Something different. I was captured from start to finish. Give it a go.”
Another posted online saying: “If you come to see a creature feature and gore, don’t watch this film. If you come for atmosphere and an utterly human experience of the unknowable, this is just the movie for you! The Block Island Sound is slow paced and set inside a family with already strained relationships. They are beset by something out of the pages of Lovecraft.
“This film beautifully dealt with its mystery so that even at the end, I’m not convinced I know what really happened. From the start of the film, we are thrown into sound, which gets more unsettling as it doesn’t relent. Almost every scene is seeped in some or other background noise which has the effect of de-realising the whole experience.”
One viewer added: “Beautifully crafted suspense/mystery/horror that is deeply imbued with subtle influences from David Lynch. Very ominous soundtrack creates a very palpable sense of foreboding. I’m glad the film makers decide to create atmosphere instead of showing violence and gore. Hats off to everyone involved.”
The Block Island Sound is streaming on Netflix.