Consecration (2023)

This is marketed as a horror movie, but I think it’s more of a
lean, tightly written mystery with horrific elements. The clues are so densely packed I couldn’t leave to get a soda refill, for fear of missing some key point in the story.Jena Malone is great as always, though her accent is a bit shaky in places. Janet Suzman is a standout as Mother Superior, as is Ian Pirie, who is genuinely frightening as Jena’s dad.Scenes jump back and forth in time and from dreams to reality in a disorienting fashion, but the final resolution ties up all…and I do mean ALL the loose ends in a way I found very satisfying.Other reviews have commented that too much of the mystery is given away early. I disagree. I could see the general direction it was going but was still surprised at the reveal.Smarter than the typical jump-scare movie that gets released every week, it will keep your interest and make you think. Just don’t expect it to make you jump out of your seat.Recommended.