Supernatural thrillers are common, but Mitzi Peirone’s new film Saint Clare tries to stand out. Unfortunately, it feels more like a tedious chore than an exciting experience. The story follows Clare, played by Bella Thorne, a young girl in a small town. She hears voices that push her to kill bad people. After a murder, she stumbles upon a web of corruption and supernatural elements. Ryan Phillippe joins her as a detective chasing Clare, while Frank Whaley plays a ghost named Mailman Bob who talks to her as she delves deeper into the mystery.
At first glance, this could have been a fresh take on the genre. Sadly, it falls flat, recycling familiar themes without offering anything new. Thorne’s performance lacks energy, making Clare hard to care about. Her portrayal diminishes the emotional impact, leaving Clare an unlikable character. Phillippe’s detective is equally forgettable, delivering a one-dimensional performance.
The script, penned by Peirone, suffers from awkward dialogue and unrealistic interactions. Instead of providing levity, conversations with Whaley’s ghost feel out of place in the film’s darker tone. This inconsistency makes the viewing experience frustrating, with the film shifting between being a serious thriller and a quirky anti-hero story without fully committing to either direction.
Visually, Peirone’s direction distracts rather than enhances. The overuse of shaky camera angles and peculiar framing choices pull the audience out of the story instead of immersing them. For example, an awkward shot framing Phillippe’s head within a circular desk object becomes more comical than artistic. A strong visual style is important, but when it overshadows the narrative, it detracts from the film as a whole.
Pacing also poses issues. The film struggles to maintain momentum and often feels aimlessly bloated despite its short runtime of around 90 minutes. The climax, when it arrives, is abrupt and leaves viewers feeling cheated after the build-up has fizzled out.
Critics are not fond of Saint Clare. Most reviews reflect disappointment, citing a lack of engaging content and poor performances. According to a recent survey, 65% of moviegoers expressed dissatisfaction with films that fail to deliver compelling characters and narratives. Fans of supernatural thrillers might be better off exploring other titles that provide a richer story and more dynamic characters.
In summary, while Saint Clare has the potential for something intriguing, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. A better movie is hidden within its messy presentation, but for now, audiences may wish to seek out more compelling anti-heroes and supernatural tales that captivate their imaginations.
