Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Resurrection’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Resurrection’. Also, this article contains discussions on domestic violence and abuse, which may be triggering for some individuals.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that we cherish strength in our modern world, and it makes sense as to why. After all, it doesn’t take us that long to realize that the world is a very brutal place at times. Where the cruelty of others and the sheer chaos of the universe… can harm us and put us in a tough state. To the point where we stumble and fall. So, to meet people that exude strength in the face of adversity and try to help and inspire others to pick themselves up when the going gets tough, is quite refreshing and inspiring. But while it is wonderful to know that there are people out there that stand tall often and see the challenges life throws our way as minor obstacles to overcome, there is a drawback when it comes to putting strength like that on a pedestal.
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In that, it teaches others that the only way forward in life… is just to keep their head down and push through the madness. When in fact, that isn’t really how strength is created nor is it sustainable. Because that act and the accompanying persona, forces a person to ignore the real problems of a particular situation and their lasting impact, which can be strong in nature and can create long-term damage. Which means that we as a culture need to cherish the work that goes into creating sustainable strength, the kind that involves dealing with the pain that comes with life’s traumas and the cruelty of man. Because only then do we find peace and only then can we truly inspire and if we don’t deal with those things… then our illusionary strength means nothing and disaster awaits us, as evidenced in the motion picture, Resurrection.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a woman named Margaret who appears to be as strong as they come. For she is a brilliant biologist that has worked her way to the top, she has a daughter that she’s raised right, and she is someone that everyone turns to for leadership and advice. Because it is clear that Margaret doesn’t let the world push her around, or rather… so it seems. For the return of a man named David in her life, prompts her to immediately change her demeanor into that of a woman that is terrified of the shadows. For she and David have an abusive past, one that is about to be resurrected after years of peace, and now that the façade of strength that Margaret exudes has been removed by the return of the one issue from her past that forced her to create a sense of it to begin with, she will be left with the quite the decision. In that, she can either face the past at last and resolve it, or let it consume her. 

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So, before we dig deeper into the central themes of this movie… we need to take a moment to offer up a warning. In that, you dear reader and potential viewer, need to be prepared for the fact that this is a brutally savage motion picture. One that holds nothing back in its presentation of domestic violence and abuse, and also features some dark and unsettling acts and sequences and concepts. The kind that are not for the faint of heart and will genuinely disturb you. Which makes this more of a horror film than a thriller, since the evil that men do and the cruelty, we are capable of is put on full display here and this movie does need to be applauded for going that bold route storytelling wise. Because it makes this movie a visceral experience, one so shocking and vile at times that the point this story is trying to make, is absolutely hammered home.
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Which is… that we cannot escape our traumas, nor can we just put forth a façade of strength and believe that such a front will heal us. Instead, such acts will merely bury down those problems and help them to grow in strength until the moment arrives when a trigger or a return to that situation… prompts them to explode. As seen here since Margaret in essence… falls to pieces before our eyes and commits to some horrendous behaviors in the name of safety and resolution. When in fact, had she dealt with her pain and the horrors that David imparted upon her… she would have been able to face him no problem and end this madness before it started. But instead, we are treated to the worst-case scenario here, one that truly gives the audience pause when the film has ended, courtesy of the brutal and bleak nature in which this story wraps up. 

As to how exactly it brings everything home, we won’t spoil here. Because the ugly nature of this film needs to be experienced firsthand, as does its stellar performances. For you need talented actors to properly sell the dark moments that take place and Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth make that happen with seemingly minimal effort. For Rebecca loses herself in the pain swimming about in Margaret’s soul to bring us a tortured performance for the ages, and Tim Roth is simply vile as David, and sells the darkness within that man with an earnest glee that feels a little too real at times, and really… all of these elements combine to bring forth a powerhouse and brilliant horror/thriller film. One that captivates and makes your skin crawl, courtesy of its brutal honesty about the dangers of not dealing with trauma, and the good news is, you can experience the raw nature of this story right now since Resurrection is currently in theaters.

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