'Exceptional' and 'creepy' horror film with twist 'no one saw coming'
The horror film Hide and Seek was released in 2005 and saw A-lister Robert De Niro star alongside a young Dakota Fanning, and it seems that two different sides emerged from the movie
Despite being over two decades old, the horror film Hide and Seek still keeps fans on the edge of their seats with its gripping scenes.
Released in 2005, Hide and Seek was a smash at the box office, starring Robert De Niro and Dakota Fanning, who delivered a performance that earned her an MTV Movie Award.
Helmed by John Polson, the storyline features De Niro as David, a widower who relocates to rural New York with his daughter Emily after his wife's tragic death. The new home becomes the setting for unsettling events as Emily befriends an imaginary character named Charlie, causing her father to question reality when sinister occurrences unfold.
Things take a darker turn when their pet cat is found deceased in the bathtub, with Emily blaming Charlie for the mischief. With her conduct growing increasingly peculiar and hostility rising towards David, he begins to suspect that Charlie might be more than just a figment of Emily's imagination.
An impressed Rotten Tomatoes critic said: "Amazing horror, actually giving the creepy vibe and keeping you on your toes; don't understand all the bad criticism; some used before tropes, but not everything must be innovative, and as far as horror/thriller goes, this was amazing, and the acting is exceptional! A must-watch if you like the genre.", reports the Mirror US.
One enthusiast posted: "Great acting by great actors. Had a plot twist I didn't expect but saw after watching the movie a couple of times. Don't listen to critics; it's definitely worth a watch!".
The film enjoyed a lucrative debut in US cinemas, taking $21 million at the box office on its opening weekend and ultimately earning a global total of $122.7 million. Despite its commercial success, the flick drew lukewarm responses from critics.
An MTV pundit commented: "Shameless in its appropriation of incidents and atmosphere from earlier horror movies, with De Niro giving one of the emptier performances of his latter-day career."
There were even suggestions from some quarters that De Niro's portrayal was notably 'blank. '.
Contrary to the naysayers, numerous cinema-goers have descended upon forums to express their praise for the psychological chiller. A fan enthused: "It's no classic by any means necessary, but perfect performances by De Niro and Fanning make for an entertaining thriller."
Remarkably, Hide and Seek featured alternate endings, which varied depending on the viewing location, and the DVD even allows audiences to choose their preferred conclusion. In the most familiar finale showcased in American movie theatres, a more mature Emily sketches an illuminating picture that divulges the harrowing truth.
To pick which camp you belong to, the 2005 fright-fest Hide and Seek is available for streaming on Disney+.
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