The Harbinger – Hauntingly Fresh Horror (Early Review)

Its safe to say that 2022 has been a phenomenal year for horror films, boasting such films as The Black Phone, Smile and the infamous, vomit-inducing Terrifier 2 just to name a few. Hoping to continue that run is The Harbinger, a film delivering a quick, real, and all around scary watch that easily ranks among some of the best horror films of the year.

Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film follows a woman named Monique (Beans) who travels into an infected city to visit her distant college roommate Mavis (Davis) who is suffering from horrific nightmares. It isn’t long after staying with Mavis, that she herself begins witnessing some of those same nightmares. From there, Mavis and Monique must try everything to stop these nightmares before it’s too late.

The Harbinger doesn’t exactly shy away from the usual horror movie tropes audiences have grown accustomed to, making the film as a whole will feel familiar. However, by leaning into these tropes, it still somehow feels strangely original and unique thus making for a far more enjoyable experience.

Meanwhile, some may be turned away from the film’s pandemic setting as it may give audiences the impression of a troubled production. In reality, this was certainly not the case as the setting adds a haunting sense of realism and creates a foreboding atmosphere permeating throughout while raising the stakes for it and its characters by making it an integral part of the story.

Surrounded by a dark ethereal atmosphere, the story and mythology found within The Harbinger is quite intricate and interesting, often forcing audiences to question whether what they’re seeing is real and what is not. Similarly, the mythology and subsequent horrifying fates that befell various victims over the course of the film will also lead to many shocking and emotional reveals. When it comes to the horror, the jump scares are very effective and will undoubtedly force audiences to jump out of their skin.

Likewise, the film’s horror segments and dream sequences are creepy and inspired. The imagery as a whole is haunting, featuring dark colors and creepy cinematography that is sure to remain in audiences’ minds long after the credits roll. The look of the film’s antagonist, based on the downright haunting witch doctor costumes used during plagues, will cause nightmares on its own, let alone as part of a character in a horror movie.

While the characters are fairly thin, audiences will still find themselves caring for them in spite of it. But at the end of the day, its the performances from Beans, Davis, and others and their great chemistry that truly drive the characters forward.

In the end, The Harbinger is a scary good time that leans wholeheartedly into horror tropes which oddly results in a wholly fresh experience that ranks among the best horrors films of the year. Though a quick watch, it won’t necessarily be an easy one but nevertheless, is one not to miss.

*still courtesy of XYZ Films*

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Olly Dyche

Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.