Sick 2023 Film Review | M-Cinema24



"Sick" is a new horror film that takes on a topical subject, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and explores it in a unique and thrilling manner. Directed by John Hyams, a talented filmmaker in the genre, the film opens with some staggering statistics about the virus in America as of April 3rd, 2020, when 42 states had already issued stay-at-home orders in 97% of the country.


The film sets the tone with its opening scene, where we follow Tyler (played by Joel Courtney) through the bare shelves of a big-box store, only to be confronted by a stalker who is watching, texting and photographing him. The scene is tense, with a varied pace and an unsettling ambiance that sets the tone for what is to come. The stalker follows Tyler back to his apartment, attempting to dispatch him with a hunting knife. This opening scene showcases director Hyams' expertise in executing hard cuts, extreme close-ups, and disorienting long takes that make the violence brutal and upsetting.

The real star of the film is Parker (played by Gideon Adlon), a university student who retreats to a secluded lake house with her best friend Miri (played by Beth Million). Parker is a bratty, self-absorbed character who is more interested in relaxing and enjoying her vacation than dealing with the outside world. However, she soon realizes that the outside world is not going to leave her alone, as she receives cryptic text messages from an unlisted number and is followed to the cabin by her partner DJ (played by Dylan Sprayberry). The film takes on a fast-paced body-count theme, with instant rules and expectations that are understood from the cryptic text messages that both Tyler and Parker receive.

Once the action starts, around 38 minutes into the film, it doesn't stop. Blood flies, limbs tumble, and a frantic chase ensues as Parker and her friends encounter the relentless stalker in a balaclava. Director John Hyams excels in immersing the audience in the film's settings, whether it be an indoor or outdoor location, and then snapping us out of our complacency with thrilling violence. The film is a testament to Hyams' expertise in the editing room, where he brings the film to life with vivid sound design, unsparing hard cuts, and genuinely surprising violence.
"Sick" is not for the faint of heart and requires a certain level of patience and endurance to enjoy. There may be scenes that seem too long or thin, and the film's pandemic-era timing may not seem like more than just a pretext for another thriller. However, if you're a fan of horror films that keep you on the edge of your seat and push your limits, then "Sick" is definitely worth a watch. With its exceptional directing and high-toned body-count theme, it's a film that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.