Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘On the 3rd Day’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘On the 3rd Day’.
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It is definitely safe to say that the concept of a parent doing anything for their child is seen as quite noble in nature and it makes sense as to why. After all, the children are our future and they are vulnerable in their early years, so to know that a mother or a father will throw down regardless of the risk or the odds to defend their child… is brave and downright heroic for certain, and of course… it also speaks to the wonder we are capable of. Since that kind of defense and potential sacrifice on the part of the parent, really does represent our better angels and inspires us to be better and be more in life. For if a humble parent can simply flip a switch and offer that kind of protection to an innocent child, then why can’t the rest of us do the same for anyone in need?
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But while it is wonderful to know that a parent will go the extra mile for their child… we really shouldn’t hold this concept in such high regard. Because it is just a parent acting upon the right kind of instinct and sometimes that instinct, also pushes a parent to do whatever it takes for their child in a negative manner. Which can in fact, harm the child emotionally and in other ways since the justification of the act warps the perception of the bad moment and encourages the wrong kind of growth for both the parent and the child. If anything, the sour side of what a parent will do for their child, and the consequences of such an act, are top of mind today, because they serve as the central themes of Shudder’s latest exclusive, On the 3rd Day.

A feat that this story accomplishes, by outright fooling us. For we are introduced to a mother named Cecilia in this film, who is desperate to do right by her son, Martin. Because Martin has gone missing after a tragic highway accident and Cecilia is desperate to know who has taken him and will stop at nothing to retrieve him safely. Which is at first glance, an act that speaks to that nobility. Since a mother escaping from the hospital and fighting tooth and nail to bring her son home safely, is about as brave and as beautiful as it gets. But as her quest continues along and innocents begin to die in her presence, it becomes obvious that something about her quest has gone terribly wrong and well, the third act of this film is where the story begins to explore the darker side of this concept.

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For it is revealed that after the accident, an ancient evil was unleashed. Something that was eager to grab hold of Martin and bring Cecilia along in a chase that ended with her conversion into an outright monster. For the evil in question was a vampire, and he has made Cecilia the latest addition to the flock. Which means that every ugly act we see Cecilia take part in, has been designed to either fuel her newfound hunger, or to fuel her fury for being unable to protect her baby from a creature from which there is no protection. But such emotions won't stop her from pushing ahead and doing whatever it takes to be reunited with her baby boy regardless of his current condition, and if that includes passing on the curse that she is now saddled with or harming others… then so be it.
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Which is the perfect way to explore the potential toxicity of defending one’s child. Since Cecilia does everything wrong in this tale and has a justification for everything she does and that of course… does bring harm to the world and to Martin, and Cecilia for that matter as well. Making it clear that it is probably best that a parent takes a moment and really look at the situation and the actions they are about to take part in before they act. So that they can really assess if what they are doing is benefitting their baby or their own ego and needs and wants, which is a poignant message for certain, one that is quite the surprise to find within the framework of a horror film. But it is here, and it works… as do the scares.

Because this is a motion picture that relies heavily on mystery to bring its point across and in doing so… we are treated to eerie moments that engage the viewer and compel them to move on. To find out exactly what’s happened to dear Martin and well, that leads to one incredible ride. One full of gore and surprises and dark moments, and this movie also deserves a serious round of applause, for putting a heck of a spin on the vampire mythos. One that you simply don’t see coming. But that’s what great stories do, surprise us and wow us and take us places we never intended to go and well… all the twists and turns present here, make this a delightful addition to Shudder’s already extensive library, and this is the kind of delightful horror film that also will likely warrant a rewatch or two. To properly catch all of the wonderful nuances and clues that are lying in plain sight that we missed… out of the hope that nobility would win the day.   

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