Feb. 17, 2022|United States|124 Min.|n/A
Genre: Horror
Description: “They Live in the Grey” (2022) tells the story of Claire, portrayed by Michelle Krusiec, who is grappling with profound personal tragedies. After losing her young son and her marriage, Claire sinks into deep depression and even attempts to take her own life. Her mental state is further strained by her ability to see ghosts, often violent and angry entities that force her to seek safety by sleeping in a closet.
Claire works for Child Protective Services, where she handles cases of child abuse. She is assigned to investigate Sophie, played by Madelyn Grace, a girl whose parents are suspected of abusing her. During her initial visit to Sophie’s home, Claire senses a supernatural presence in the house. She begins to suspect that a ghost might be responsible for the girl’s injuries, but she struggles to convince her skeptical boss, who pressures her to close the case quickly.
The film, written and directed by Abel and Burlee Vang, offers a fresh twist on the idea of seeing the dead, akin to “The Sixth Sense.” While the story initially seems to follow a similar path, it soon diverges into its own unique direction. However, the film’s runtime of over two hours is filled with heavy, depressing moments rather than genuine scares.
Claire’s grief is palpable as she visits her son’s grave, haunted by guilt over his death, which occurred in a hit-and-run accident after her medication caused her to be late picking him up from school. Her professional life is equally challenging, as her boss prioritizes meeting quotas over thorough investigations. Even the ghosts Claire encounters have tragic backstories, adding to the film’s somber tone.
Overall, “They Live in the Grey” explores themes of grief, guilt, and the supernatural, though its focus on melancholy often overshadows its horror elements.
Cast director: Abel Vang
Cast actor: Michelle Krusiec, Ken Kirby, Ellen Wroe, Madelyn Grace, Audrey Moore, J.R. Cacia, Bernard Bullen, Cami Storm, Ian Stanley, Patrick Hume
Original name: They Live in The Grey