THE VISIT

M. Night Shyamalan, has captured his elusive groove, and audiences can shiver, viewing his tantalizing, titillating tale of two charming, disarming, precocious teenagers going to visit their maternal grandparents; Mom’s (Kathryn Hahn) estranged parents, longing to finally meet their genetic-connection.

Fifteen-year-old “Becca” (sensational, stunning Olivia DeJonge) in the embryonic phase as a documentarian, films the entire excursion from commencement to conclusion; similar to “The Blair Witch Project” but more frightening because of the innocence of Becca and her thirteen-year-old “rapper” brother “Tyler” (astounding characterization by Ed Oxenbould); Shyamalan’s script soars from the mouths of these two wonderful children; quick-witted, well-read, devoted siblings but never losing control of their individuality; they toy, tease and coax “secrets” from each other and their grandparents.

Superior casting: Grandfather, “Pop Pop” ( compelling Peter McRobbie) and Grandmother, “Nana”( Deanna Dunagan, oozes creepy fragility); in remote Pennsylvania, cell phones, non-functioning, but their cameras and computer help define their “documentary”; progressing beautifully from benign to terrifying; Becca and Tyler excel as amateur sleuths, stripping the fallacies from realities.

“The Visit” is all and more than what is required from a “scary” movie; feasibility is key, it could happen; likeable characters whose well-being is tantamount to the success of the film; ultimately the right dosage of fear, cunning and righteousness leaving one thrilled, chilled and fulfilled.

THREE & 1/2 STARS!!!

Peneflix