Underrated Netflix horror 'so menacing it gets under your skin' but fans are divided

Daily Record

06-05-2025

Thomas Jane starred in the adaptation of Stephen King's novella in 2010, with the film now available to stream on Netflix
Zak Hilditch's 1922 has scored an impressive 92 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, establishing its place as a thrilling horror drama.
This film, inspired by Stephen King's 2010 novella of the same name, was both penned and directed by Hilditch. It made its debut on Netflix in October 2017, garnering acclaim for Thomas Jane's hauntingly powerful portrayal.
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Alongside him, 1922 features Neal McDonough, Molly Parker, Dylan Schmid, and Kaitlyn Bernard.
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Thomas Jane steps into the shoes of Wilfred "Wilf" James, playing a farmer rooted in his simple yet pronounced pride, located in Hemingford, Nebraska during the year 1922. He lives with his wife Arlette James and their teenage son Henry.
Confronted by Arlette's intentions to sell the family farm and uproot to Omaha, Wilf persuades his impressionable son to partake in murdering her, reports Surrey Live.
Leveraging Henry's romance with Shannon Cotterie, which is sternly opposed by Arlette, Wilf entices his son using the relationship as bait, leading to Henry's reluctant collaboration in the heinous act. The aftermath sees Arlette's remains disposed of in a derelict well, triggering the gradual and harrowing disintegration of the family, with Wilf experiencing a grim consequence.
1922's initial filming phase kicked off in Vancouver; however, due to harvest season considerations, the production team faced challenges securing a farmhouse set amidst a cornfield in time to meet the filming schedule.
For the movie's production, real corn was out of question, leading to a creative mix of corn props from China, CG wizardry, and scenes filmed in Boort, Australia. The final farmhouse setting for the shoot was nailed down in the city of Langley before wrapping up the filming back in Boort.
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Delivering a simmering intensity, "1922" earned acclaim from critics when it premiered, lauded for its unsettling impact.
One film critic said: "There's an unshakable menace that lingers, a tale of guilt and regret that burrows its way under the skin."
Another shared their impressions, writing: "1922 is a movie that gets under your skin. It maintains a menacing vibe from start to finish without ever relying on overused gimmicks or formulas."
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The cast received high praise for their stellar acting from another reviewer who mentioned: "The performances are great from top-to-bottom...this was a movie that probably should have been on the big screen."
A different critic noted the movie's horrifying grasp, adding: "1922 is an effective, chilling bit of work that boasts a revelatory lead performance and a compelling, gradual erosion of a man's psyche."
Reactions from audiences were various, with some being thoroughly taken with the film, whilst others weren't as enthralled.
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Commenting on their enjoyment, a viewer said: "I love this movie, it's so entertaining to me. The scenery is probably my favourite part and the story in general, and just the way it was filmed and the song placement and choice is just amazing."
One viewer added: "Honestly, this movie is bad. It's not on the cinematic side as much as the storyline. It was so slow of a movie I couldn't keep watching. I have been watching it for 2 days and kept falling asleep. It's very forgettable. After they killed his wife there was no more thrill to the story, nothing to make me remember anything."
Conversely, another film fan said: "This movie is great, I think the problem people have with it is that it's not for them. People use movies to escape life, this is not what this movie is. It is life, and it has no mercy. One of the best movies I've seen, amazingly done."
While one audience member described it as "a disturbing story of betrayal, love, and murder" that provides "an intense viewing from start to finish", someone else praised it as an "amazing psychological horror" boasting "perfect pacing" and a "great and accurate atmosphere".
An intricate review noted: "Each moment within this film is employed judiciously. Even during quieter scenes, the camera lingers, skilfully eliciting the very emotions coursing through the characters. Each frame possesses the potential to be a captivating photograph, exuding sheer beauty. The ensemble cast delivers an astounding performance, with Thomas Jane standing out in particular. His portrayal breathes life into Wilfred's emotions, resonating deeply within me. Undoubtedly, this ranks among my all-time favourite horror films."