Review: The Prodigy

Release date: February 8, 2019
Running time: 92 minutes
Starring: Taylor Schilling, Jackson Robert Scott, Peter Mooney

If you were looking for one of the creepiest films of the year (maybe ever), then look no further.  The Prodigy delivers creepiness in spades.  The film is about a young boy who is exceptionally smart but also has a dark side that grows darker the older he gets.  His parents must try to figure out "what is wrong with Miles" before something terrible happens.  

The best thing about The Prodigy is the acting of Jackson Robert Scott.  Young Georgie from 2017's IT is back with another horror film role, but this one lets him really work his acting chops.  He is both sweet and creepy at times--often in quick succession--doing a fantastically unsettling job as young Miles.  The film making is also quite good, with a masterful use of light and dark to raise the tension to 10.  I was on the edge of my seat a lot due to a combination of the unpredictable nature of the movie amplified by the stellar lighting.

But the problem with the Prodigy is the story is kind of ridiculous. Now look, I understand that horror movies often have supernatural or unbelievable underpinnings, but this one is particularly egregious.  And to movie makes sacrifices to move the plot along.  Some characters are too conveniently knowledgeable about the main conflict in the movie and other characters just make ridiculous choices that no rational person would make.  The story moves from point A to point B, but that journey is less than ideal.  For a film that does so much right, it is a shame that this major part is not up to snuff.  If you want to see a creepy film that has great tension and lots of jump scares, then check out the Prodigy in the comfort of your own home.  

Rent it