He Knows (2022)
Movie100mins
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About He Knows
Little Christina watched Sammy the Elf kill her family. When he returns to punish the naughty in a small midwest town, she must save her daughter from the same fate.
- Year
- 2022
- Runtime
- 100mins
- Director
- Steven Morris
- Top cast
- Shawn C. Phillips, Lynn Lowry, Julie Anne Prescott, Zach Meiser, Jessa Flux
What our critics think
Independent reviews from the Compare TV editorial team.
Review Team
★★★★★3/5
He Knows, directed by Steven Morris, attempts to carve out a space in the modern horror landscape with its intriguing premise of a vengeful elf targeting the naughty. The film opens with a gripping prologue where young Christina witnesses the brutal murder of her family, setting the stage for a narrative steeped in trauma and fear. As an adult, Christina's evolution into a protective mother forms the emotional core of the film, although the character development feels somewhat rushed at times. Morris’s direction captures the eerie atmosphere of a small midwestern town, effectively utilising shadows and sound to build tension. The performances, particularly from the lead, are commendable, infusing the story with authenticity. However, the pacing occasionally falters, leading to moments that feel drawn out. Despite its flaws, He Knows succeeds in delivering a few genuine scares and a foreboding sense of dread. The thematic exploration of motherhood and the repercussions of childhood trauma adds depth, making it a worthwhile watch for horror aficionados seeking something beyond the conventional slasher fare.
Editor Team
★★★★★2/5
He Knows tries to mix holiday cheer with horror, but the result is a bit of a mess. The concept of a killer elf is certainly intriguing, but the execution leaves much to be desired. While Christina's backstory is tragic and relatable, the film often feels like it’s dragging its feet, losing momentum when it should be ramping up the tension. The performances are decent, yet they struggle with the uneven script that fails to flesh out characters beyond their basic archetypes. The film has its chilling moments, but they are often overshadowed by predictable plot points and uninspired dialogue. If you’re looking for a horror film to get you in the festive spirit, He Knows might not be the best choice. It has flashes of creativity and a few good scares, but overall, it doesn’t quite hit the mark for a memorable viewing experience. Perhaps it will find its audience among die-hard horror fans, but for others, it may be a skip.
How viewers describe this
- chilling
- suspenseful
- intriguing
- uneven
- engaging
- predictable
- tragic
- authentic
- tense
- relatable
- creative
- disappointing
Streaming Charts
The JustWatch Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity from the last 24 hours.
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Got a question about He Knows?
Is He Knows worth watching?
He Knows offers a unique take on the horror genre, blending elements of suspense and psychological thrills. The film's intriguing premise, revolving around a vengeful elf punishing the naughty, provides a fresh narrative. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, fans of horror may find it entertaining for its chilling atmosphere and unexpected twists.
What is He Knows really about?
He Knows centres on Christina, who witnesses a traumatic event as a child when Sammy the Elf kills her family. Years later, he returns to wreak havoc on a small town, and Christina must protect her daughter from the same fate. The film explores themes of trauma, motherhood, and the battle between good and evil.
Is He Knows suitable for children?
He Knows is not suitable for children due to its intense horror elements, including violence and psychological terror. The film's themes and imagery may be distressing for younger audiences, making it more appropriate for older teens and adults.
Is it scary?
He Knows delivers a mix of suspenseful moments and horror elements that can be genuinely frightening. The tension builds as Christina fights to protect her daughter, making for an engaging and unnerving viewing experience, especially for fans of the horror genre.
What films are similar to He Knows?
If you enjoyed He Knows, you might also like films such as 'Krampus', which features a holiday-themed horror narrative, or 'The Lodge', which combines psychological horror with family dynamics. Other similar films include 'Better Watch Out' and 'The Children', both of which explore themes of childhood and terror.
What happens at the end of He Knows?
Spoilers ahead: At the climax of He Knows, Christina confronts Sammy the Elf in a tense showdown, ultimately finding the strength to protect her daughter. The film concludes with a sense of resolution, but leaves the door open for possible future encounters with the malevolent elf, hinting at lingering threats.
Is there a sequel to He Knows?
As of now, there is no official confirmation of a sequel to He Knows. However, given the film's premise and open-ended conclusion, there is potential for further exploration of its themes and characters in a follow-up.
What are the main themes in He Knows?
He Knows explores themes of trauma, the impact of childhood experiences on adulthood, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. The film juxtaposes innocence with malevolence, creating a narrative that questions the nature of good and evil in the context of familial bonds.
How was He Knows received by critics?
He Knows has received mixed reviews from critics. While some praise its originality and suspenseful storytelling, others critique its pacing and character development. Overall, it has found a niche audience among horror enthusiasts who appreciate its unique premise.