Diabolic Review - A Missed Opportunity in Mormon-Country Horror
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The Creeping Shadows of Trauma: Horror’s Missed Opportunity
The recent release of Diabolic, an Australian-shot horror film set in US territory, has left critics and audiences underwhelmed. Beneath its rough exterior lies a narrative that explores intriguing themes but ultimately succumbs to familiar tropes.
At its core, Diabolic examines the psychological trauma inflicted on those who have escaped fundamentalist cults like the Mormon faith. The protagonist, Elise, is a complex character whose past is slowly unraveled through unsettling flashbacks. Her growing closeness to Clara, the bishop’s daughter, hints at a deep-seated desire for acceptance and belonging – not possession or demonic influence.
This portrayal of trauma is noteworthy in today’s cultural landscape, where the lines between psychological distress and spiritual “evil” are increasingly blurred. The film attempts to shed light on this issue but falls short in its execution.
Diabolic’s greatest misstep lies in its handling of regression therapy, an ayahuasca-fueled descent into the protagonist’s psyche. What begins as a gripping exploration of the human mind devolves into a predictable horror plot replete with creepy cellar doors and vomiting sequences that feel like they’ve been cribbed from a bygone era.
The film’s inability to deliver on its promise is particularly frustrating given the current cultural zeitgeist. The resurgence of interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy, coupled with growing recognition of trauma’s impact on mental health, has created an environment ripe for nuanced explorations of these themes. Diabolic squanders this opportunity, instead relying on tired horror conventions.
Fans of the genre will recognize the warning signs: a protagonist driven by unresolved trauma, a setting shrouded in mystery and menace, and a therapy session promising revelation but delivering only cheap jump scares. This formula has been played out countless times before, and Diabolic’s failure to subvert these expectations is disappointing.
The film’s reliance on tired tropes raises questions about the horror genre as a whole. Will filmmakers continue to rely on familiar formulas or take note of Diabolic’s missteps and strive for something more innovative? The answer lies in the hands of creatives willing to push boundaries and challenge their audiences.
In recent years, films like A Ghost Story and The Invitation have demonstrated that horror can be a powerful tool for exploring the human condition. These movies show that true terror lies not in creepy cellar doors or vomiting sequences but in the dark recesses of our own psyches. Diabolic’s failure to join this ranks serves as a reminder of the genre’s limitations, but also its potential.
As we await the next iteration of horror cinema, it is clear that creators would do well to remember that true terror lies not in gimmicks or spectacle but in the complexities of human psychology.
Reader Views
- TGThe Garage Desk · editorial
The problem with Diabolic isn't just its regurgitation of tired horror tropes, but also its failure to adequately address the complexities of trauma and recovery in Mormon-country settings. What's noticeably absent from this narrative is a nuanced exploration of the community itself - how these cults maintain power, how their leaders exploit vulnerability, and what the long-term effects are on individuals and families. Until we see more thoughtful portrayals of fundamentalist cultures on screen, Diabolic will remain a missed opportunity rather than a genuinely impactful horror film.
- SPSage P. · moto journalist
While Diabolic's exploration of trauma and regression therapy is commendable, I'd argue that its real misstep lies in glossing over the nuances of psychedelic-assisted therapy. By reducing ayahuasca to a plot device rather than a thoughtful exploration of its potential benefits, the film misses an opportunity to engage with the complexities of modern mental health treatment. A more thoughtful approach would have acknowledged both the risks and possibilities of such therapies, adding depth to the narrative and making the horror elements all the more unsettling.
- HRHank R. · MSF instructor
It's time for horror films to take a cue from trauma therapists: genuine catharsis doesn't come from forcing characters down rabbit holes of vomit and cellar doors. The real tragedy here is that Diabolic had the potential to offer a more nuanced exploration of regression therapy, but instead opted for cheap jump scares. As someone who's taught emergency medical response to first responders, I can attest that true healing requires empathy, not exploitation – a lesson horror movies could learn from.