Movie Review - Surrogate (2022)

Surrogate

Directed by David Willing

Released by Indie Rights

Year of Production: 2022

Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: September 2, 2022 (digital only release)

Plot Synopsis:

A ghost horror about single mother and nurse Natalie who falls mysteriously ill and struggles to stop her family from being destroyed.

Trailer:

Review:

One of the coolest feelings a reviewer can experience is the rush they get when a movie or book wildly exceeds their expectations.  This probably sounds dorky, but I offer no apologies for it:  the situation can be a real high.  Granted, it doesn't happen too often, but I have to make note of it when it does.

I got a toned down version of that rush when I finished SURROGATE, a recent horror offering from Australia.  This tidy ghost story doesn't revolutionize the genre, but it is well made and a lot of fun to watch.  

SURROGATE is one of those movies you will want to experience at night with the lights out.  Part mystery and part horror, the film relies on good old fashioned suspense and a couple of jump scares to entertain its viewers.  It does not drag anywhere and has a wonderful pace; there's no fluff scenes put in for length, and I never felt bored.

The film has a strong cast that includes Kestie Morassi of WOLF CREEK fame and Jane Badler.  If Badler looks familiar to you, it's because she played the iconic bad-bitch Diana in the science fiction show V.  It was a real joy seeing her onscreen again.  Up-and-coming actress Taysha Farrugia also does a great job as Morassi's daughter; I expect we will be seeing more of her in the future.

My favorite aspect of SURROGATE is that it knows what kind of film it wants to be.  As I mentioned earlier, it is not trying to reinvent the wheel...it just wants to entertain you.  Which is exactly what it does.  Don't go into it expecting a ton of gore or special effects (there's a little of both, but not much), and you will be pleasantly surprised.

My sole complaint about the film [[SPOILER ALERT here...you were warned!]] is that the ghost of the little girl looks a bit silly with the blue tint they chose for her skin.  Thankfully she is not seen much, so that is very forgivable.

SURROGATE is a slick little horror film that will be a welcome addition to your pre-Halloween viewing.  It is available on a couple of streaming sites (including Amazon Prime) so clink the link above for more information to view.

Scott