The Banished (2024)

Review Team

4/5

The Banished, directed by Joseph Sims-Dennett, offers a riveting exploration of fear and trust in the most isolating of circumstances. The film centres on Grace, who, while searching for her missing brother in the wilderness, finds herself grappling with both physical injury and psychological terror ... Show more >> The Banished, directed by Joseph Sims-Dennett, offers a riveting exploration of fear and trust in the most isolating of circumstances. The film centres on Grace, who, while searching for her missing brother in the wilderness, finds herself grappling with both physical injury and psychological terror. The atmosphere is thick with dread, a testament to Sims-Dennett's skillful direction. The cinematography captures the haunting beauty of the wilderness, juxtaposed effectively with Grace's growing sense of paranoia. The performances are commendable, particularly the lead, whose portrayal of vulnerability and resilience is both engaging and believable. While the pacing may slow at times, the build-up ultimately pays off in a tense climax that leaves the audience questioning the nature of trust. Overall, The Banished is a thought-provoking thriller that will resonate with fans of psychological horror. Show less

Editor Team

3/5

The Banished is an intriguing psychological thriller that, while engaging, sometimes feels like it treads familiar ground. Grace’s plight in the wilderness, searching for her brother while communicating with a mysterious stranger over the radio, sets the stage for an intense narrative. However, the ... Show more >> The Banished is an intriguing psychological thriller that, while engaging, sometimes feels like it treads familiar ground. Grace’s plight in the wilderness, searching for her brother while communicating with a mysterious stranger over the radio, sets the stage for an intense narrative. However, the film occasionally falls into predictable patterns, and the tension, while palpable, can feel stretched thin at moments. The performances, especially from the lead, are solid, bringing a sense of authenticity to Grace’s plight. Yet, the film's ending, while intended to be impactful, may leave some viewers wanting more clarity. It’s a decent watch for those who enjoy suspense with a psychological twist, but it might not break new ground for seasoned thriller enthusiasts. Show less