Name: John and the Hole
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Horror
Released: 2021-08-06T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Charlie Shotwell, Taissa Farmiga, Jennifer Ehle, Michael C. Hall, Lucien Spelman

The image of a 13-year-old boy dragging his drugged family members into an unfinished bunker is as unsettling as it is intriguing, setting the stage for Pascual Sisto’s psychological thriller, John and the Hole. Based on Nicolás Giacobone’s short story “El Pozo,” this film promises a deep dive into the mind of a disillusioned child, but ultimately falters under the weight of its own ambition.

At its core, John and the Hole is a study in power dynamics and familial dysfunction. Thirteen-year-old John (Charlie Shotwell), from an affluent suburban family, stumbles upon a hidden bunker and decides to drug and imprison his parents (Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Ehle) and sister (Taissa Farmiga). The film’s strength lies in its ability to create an atmosphere of unease and tension. The bunker scenes are particularly effective, with the confined space amplifying the desperation and frustration of the trapped family members. Shotwell delivers a commendable performance, capturing John’s detachment and curiosity with unsettling precision.

The film’s visual style is another highlight. Sisto employs a subdued color palette and long takes to create a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. The soundtrack by Caterina Barbieri adds an eerie, almost otherworldly layer to the proceedings. These elements work in tandem to create a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

However, John and the Hole struggles with its narrative coherence. The film’s ending, which reveals the events as a bedtime story told by Gloria (Georgia Lyman) to her daughter Lily, feels tacked on and fails to provide a satisfying resolution. This meta-narrative twist undermines the tension built throughout the film and leaves viewers more confused than enlightened.

Moreover, the film’s pacing is uneven. While the bunker scenes are tense and engaging, the sequences involving John’s newfound freedom feel aimless and lack the same sense of urgency. The character of Pete (Lucien Spelman), John’s friend who occasionally joins him, adds little to the story and serves as a distraction from the central conflict.

Despite its flaws, John and the Hole is a bold and ambitious film that dares to explore the darker recesses of childhood and family dynamics.