Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Moloch’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Moloch’.
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One unhealthy habit that we tend to make use of when bad things happen to us or our family, is to blame the ugly on external factors. Sometimes that involves something as simple as speaking to the power of fate and how it sometimes puts us through the wringer to teach us a lesson, or it can be something as complex as a wild and outlandish story. One that makes us appear to be cursed or under the influence of something we don’t understand and well… what makes this so problematic, is that going this particular route ensures that we don’t address the root cause of our difficult times. Because more or often than not, there’s something far more simplistic at play here.
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In fact, our problems and strife are often self-inflicted in nature. Where one bad choice brought about one bad day or where other bad habits and toxic behaviors managed to come to a crescendo and bring trouble into our homes and lives. Or it could be related to something far deeper, something generational in nature since we mimic what we learn from our elders and create a cycle of problems in doing so. But alas, rather than recognize those realities, we just hold to those other notions and well, that is of course… something we should stop doing so we can correct the problem and enjoy true happiness and well… this particularly unhealthy behavior is top of mind today, because it is explored in great detail in the new Shudder original, Moloch.

Now in this particular film we are transported to the Netherlands to meet a family that has seen better days. For Betriek’s family has been mired in loss for as long as she can remember. From a death in her family’s home when she was but a girl, to the death of her husband/father of her child, it just seems as though death follows this family everywhere. An unfortunate reality that has motivated Betriek to become something of a recluse with her daughter, by moving back home to protect what little family she has left from the curse they all believe is hanging over them. But the arrival of an archeological team near their isolated property is going to bring Betriek back into the light, courtesy of the head of the project who has caught her eye, and unfortunately for Jonas… his desire to dig into the ground and into Betriek’s past will uncover dangerous secrets that should have remained buried. 

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Which is a plot that really doesn’t seem to accomplish anything all that deep storytelling wise, and the reality that an ancient evil has been awakened in the tiny little berg that Betriek resides within… lends more credence to this being nothing more than an epic monster story. One that holds nothing back in its presentation of Moloch’s power and the fascinating legend that hangs over this town. Since it brings forth all kinds of eerie spirits and incredibly awful behavior exhibited by the innocent lives that hear the whispers of the ancient spirits that roam this land. Which makes this a scary folk horror movie in a way, since everyone is isolated in this place with this special brand of evil, and the scares and gore that come about from this part of the plot are quite impactful for certain.
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But the fact of the matter is, there is a lot of depth to be found in this tale. For this is at heart, a story about the horrors of generational trauma and how that manifests. Which makes this a poignant and powerful motion picture at the same time, one that makes it inherently clear that what allows for such a problem to persist, is our desire to not acknowledge the abuses and the ugly that we grow up with. Because that somehow makes it acceptable and palatable in our minds and since it is familiar and comfortable from being buried deep into our psyche, we are quick to resort to similar behaviors when the opportunity presents itself to bring them forth, creating that generational cycle of abuse, the kind that we are quick to attribute to something more.

When in fact, we should be acknowledging the reality that we grew up with some horribly unpleasant memories and moments and deal with the trauma that come from those. So that the cycle can in fact, be broken and we can live our lives free of such pain and well, that analysis and the terror present here, makes this a magnificent horror film when all is said and done. One that draws you in with its slow burn approach and holds onto you tightly, making for a visceral and unsettling experience that stays with you long after it has come to an end, and it is so intelligent and so full of subtext that it will undoubtedly require multiple viewings and thankfully, that can be easily accomplished. For Moloch is available to stream on Shudder, right now.  

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