SHUTTER ISLAND (2010)

If there’s a movie that’s one of the most underrated ‘horror’ films of the last decade in regards to the narrative and the power behind it, I would put this one near the top of the list. It’s a Scorsese film, to begin with, and includes frequent collaborator Leo as well as Ruffalo, Kingsley and Rorshach, I mean Earle Haley. Basically, Leo plays Teddy, a U.S. Marshal who arrives on Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a missing patient. Along the way, we are fed both clues and runarounds from patients and staff alike. Is there really a missing patient? What’s with all the WWII flashbacks with Teddy? Why the sinister surroundings? And these prisoners that can just run freely? We get the answers to these questions and more as the mystery unfolds. If you go into this expecting paranormal horror or jump scare horror you will be disappointed. This is a psychological/subtle/horror that by the end of this, almost anyone can see the dilemma that Teddy faces and the real horror is what he knew or thought he knew all along. While some may say the ending is open for interpretation, I believe there is one fixed ending meant to tie up loose ends as the book it was based on ultimately did. Scorsese shows great direction with his scenes and cranks out all the suspense and tension possible with his cast. While you’re along for the mystery, the tension will reach up and slap you to ensure you’re awake. And in no way is that a bad thing. Check this one out…just have something light on deck to watch after.

SLASH SCENE: Rorshach scene (Earle Haley)

SLASH SCORE: 5/5