Shelter (2010)

Directed by: Måns Mårlind, Björn Stein | 112 minutes | horror, thriller | Actors: Julianne Moore, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Jeffrey DeMunn, Frances Conroy, Nathan Corddry, Brooklynn Proulx, Brian Anthony Wilson, Joyce Hurring, Steven Rishard, Charles Techman, John Peakes, Michael Graves, Chaz Moneypenny, Charles David Richards, Rick Applegate, Loretta Higgins, Tamara Johnson

Really good actors and actresses can give mediocre films that little bit extra, turning a six minus into a tight seven. Julianne Moore is one of those actresses who can camouflage a downright weak plot by simply showing off a stellar feat of acting. ‘Shelter’ is one such movie.

Without Moore’s good acting – and the presence of the A-actress – this film would have gone inglorious. ‘Shelter’ was originally going to be shown in Dutch cinemas – the trailer for this horror thriller had already hit theaters – but somehow the distributor decided to release the vehicle on DVD straight away. There is certainly something to be said for that decision, but there are worse films on the silver screen.

‘Shelter’ revolves around psychiatrist Cara Jessup (Moore). She doesn’t believe in terms like MPS (Multiple Personality Syndrome) and is very cynical. That attitude changes when she meets the deranged Adam (Rhys Meyers). This patient deals with several character changes and soon Jessup suspects that Adam is quite a dangerous person. Well, is Adam even human? How else can you explain his unnatural behavior?

Anyone who has seen (supernatural) thrillers like ‘The Omen’, ‘Case 39’, ‘Indentity’ and ‘Fallen’ can tell you what to expect. ‘Shelter’ is a movie by the book. Nothing wrong with that in itself, but unfortunately the film drops mercilessly after a strong – and exciting – start and the unbelievable plot twists tumble over each other. All logic is thrown overboard and the WTF moments pile up. A shame, because there would have been much more here. However, the good playing of Moore and Rhys Meyers will keep you focused. In addition, the creepy atmosphere is well maintained.

Definitely not a high-flyer, but an entertaining film thanks to the capable cast and the clever setting. So a tight seven.