What is it with respected actors slumming it in low-rent horror outings? First, it was Kate Beckinsale in the incredibly misguided “The Disappointments Room.” Then, it was Naomi Watts in the laughably bad “Shut In.” Now, it’s Aaron Eckhart in the astoundingly terrible “Incarnate.” All three are more products for cheap financial gains than fleshed out thrillers, relying on common tropes to guide them. Never mind what makes those tropes work; just chuck them at the screen haphazardly in the hope that they stick.
Whereas “The Disappointments Room” and “Shut In” were psychological thrillers with paranormal teases, “Incarnate” is a full-blown demonic chiller. Oh wait, I’m sorry, the monsters in this film aren’t referred to as demons, but parasitic entities feeding on bad energy. Dr. Seth Ember (Aaron Eckhart) doesn’t believe in organized religion, therefore equating the demons he exorcises as parasitic entities to quell his hatred. Also, he doesn’t refer to his practice as exorcism but as, and I kid you not, an eviction of parasitical entities from the subconscious of the possessed. Oh no, not an eviction! While priests and other clergymen invoke the power of God, Ember busts through the metaphysical rent control and utilizes his power of expulsion to cast aside the damned! What a hero!
Oh, and that disdain for religion plays no part aside from cheesy dialogue as the good doctor teams up with the Vatican to save the life of a young boy in Jake (Emjay Anthony). He has been possessed by a parasitical entity by the name of Maggie, the same entity that took the life of Ember’s wife and son. What a mighty fine coincidence that is! Had this not been the case, Seth would’ve rejected the case as it doesn’t pertain to his interests. The sleazy lawyer he saved at the beginning of the film did, though, as he could’ve possibly been possessed by Maggie. Which means Jake could’ve been as well without the prior knowledge, making our protagonist a prick. Wonderful!
At least “The Disappointments Room” and “Shut In” were carried by their respected actors’ solid performances. “Incarnate” isn’t so lucky, getting the hammy Aaron Eckhart found chewing the scenery in “I, Frankenstein” as opposed to the distinguished one found in “Thank You for Smoking” and “The Dark Knight.” Here, he doesn’t just chew the scenery, but pisses all over it! His performance is as ridiculous as his wig! He sarcastically rolls around in his wheelchair, mugging for the camera and shouting frantically. It never seems as if he’s taking the material seriously, even when mourning the loss of his family. He sticks his nose down at Ronnie Christensen’s script, only coming to life when he gets to act suave and tough in the dream world by disposing of tough guys such as former WWE World Champion Mark Henry. At one point, he acts as if he’s in a dark comedy, rolling into a bar and stealing a patron’s beer. When confronted, he comically defends himself by stating, “Hey, I’m in a wheelchair!” I want to see the dark comedy in which a disgruntled Aaron Eckhart uses his handicap to his advantage, reveling in his malcontent. Somebody get Terry Zwigoff on the phone, pronto!
Ember is in the bar trying to recruit Jake’s alcoholic father (Matt Nable) into saving his son. The mother (Catalina Sandino Moreno) doesn’t want him involved, as he once broke the kid’s arm; a justifiable reason. He’s needed though to convince Jake that the father in his dreams is that of a manifestation of Maggie to keep hold of his subconscious. He’s not able to enter the dream world like Seth because…he’s not special? Not much of a reason is given outside of scientific mumbo jumbo that I’m certain was scribbled on a napkin in the bar that Seth accosted a man’s beer from.
No rhyme or reason is presented in explaining Ember’s abilities. He can enter the mind of the possessed via wires and science and that’s that. There are no ground rules set in this quasi-dream world. Maggie can manipulate the victim’s subconscious into feeding them their fantasies, while Seth can demolish it all by convincing the victim they’re in a dream. The demons’…I’m sorry, parasitical entities’ black eyes reveal themselves randomly, even if the victim is still confused. The parasitical entity (I laugh every time I type that) has the power to control the entire dream, but still sends one crony at a time to be brushed away by the doctor. The parasitical entity (still laughing) can hop from body to body, except when one isn’t present in the room…except for Ember’s, but she has no interest in possessing him because that wouldn’t be torturous enough. Oh, and she can speak through the possessed in the real world, even forcing a homeless woman to attack the child to transfer bodies. She doesn’t do this later on because…I’ve got nothing. Seriously, was there a manual I was supposed to be given beforehand detailing the scientific eviction?
“Incarnate” boasts a good concept, but director Brad Peyton betrays it by not taking it seriously. Oh, he begs the audience to do so, but doesn’t bother developing the characters, the science, or the entity’s powers and motivation. Why does Maggie want to possess these random souls? Is it to take them to Hell? If so, why the long wait? How much do the victims have to buy into their deceptive fantasy before being taken? I need answers!
Answers are not to be found; only contrived drama and cheap jump scares. Jake’s troubled home life and Dr. Ember’s tragic past only serve to generate compassion, never succeeding because they’re both severely undercooked. I was to feel sorrow because dead children and an alcoholic, abusive father were dangled in front of my eyes like morbid shiny keys to an infant. I was not mesmerized nor moved by them, but tickled. I found myself forcing back laughter at the corny dialogue and ham-fisted sentimentality (the kind found in “Lifetime” movies) as to not disturb the other six moviegoers present in my screening.
Wait…six moviegoers were also present in my screenings of “The Disappointments Room” and “Shut In.” I joked in my review of the latter that they’re the same folks, all of us gluttons for punishment. What if those six moviegoers are actually parasitical entities trying to possess me? Corny as hell, isn’t it? Even that campiness is more enjoyable than this drivel!
Final Rating: F