The Lazarus Effect: Cheap Thrills and Scientific Gibberish

While I am all for suspense-thrillers with its usual scientific flavor, The Lazarus Effect fell flat on its back in terms of providing originality and coherence. It's a film composed of cliché theories without any strong conclusion, foundation and resolution. Most of all, the flow was quick and scattered- causing the plot to lack substance and depth.

As much as I'd like to analyze the execution of the movie, which in my opinion would have passed for a C-minus in a college film project, it is not a matter I am most comfortable discussing about as I am no expert in the subject. So, let's get back to what really matters- the story, the actors and the ending.

THE STORY

Truth be told, it had an amazing start. It’ll keep you at the edge of your seat as you go into the first quarter of the story. It made sense and it had a focus. It had the perfect mix of science and theology. The movie was even able to make its stand between the two ever-opposing sides. You would know that it was going somewhere. Questions have been asked and there is a course of action- a quest to pursue.

Rocky the dog made this quest even visible and apparent. A way had already been laid out in the open. Numerous possibilities have been opened up and so the plot should be able to make its foundation, right? Except that it didn’t. The movie still had its footing around the first half of the movie during which an unexpected conflict had occurred. The story was still coherent and substantial.

As they go in the laboratory for a justifiable motive, the plot is still tangible and logical. There was still a purpose. It was going somewhere. It still had a focal point. Even the death of one of the characters was plausible. And the individual reaction towards it as well as the coming decision right after was still within the bounds of the plot.

However, it started dwindling down the moment the characters lost their coherence.  Not only was there no time allotted for the characters to let the situation sink in, but a rapid change of perspective had befallen the protagonists which left the context dangling out in the open without any support or backup.

In the first place, it was their decision to bring the dead back to life. But when it was actually right in front of them, they did not bother to play with the emotions of the characters, but rather, an abrupt change of atmosphere had been set in motion. There was no longer a buildup. And this change had become too apparent that the audience can already expect what’s about to come next. In turn, there’s no more suspense.

While it is commendable that they had inserted a few scientific facts and theories to make the plot more probable, the sudden changes among and in between the characters had made the move useless and irrelevant. It became scattered. The introduction of a new conflict on top of the current one seemed useless and uncalled for. In addition to that, the continuity started losing its ground while the change of pace felt forced and unnatural. By the third quarter, it no longer made sense and the context had been lost in translation. It went from a remarkably brilliant idea with a potential to become a box-office hit to a low-budget college film entry with cheap thrills and a lot of snooze.

THE ACTORS

Acting-wise, there are a few issues I just have to point out. You don’t always have to scream when you’re scared. Also, you don’t have to stay still when you know that your life is in danger. You have the right to run, or at least, get out of the fucking room while you still can.

Nevertheless, the performance of Olivia Wilde in this film was notable and incredibly believable. You would know that she had her character figured out down to the very last wire. Her ability to quickly change from one personality to another was outstanding. It didn’t look strained nor did it look borderline insane. It had just the right mix of sinister and innocence.

Of course, Evan Peters did his fair share of awesome in the acting department. Whether it was because he was the perfect actor for the role of Clay or he’s just naturally talented in putting on a laid-back rebel-type character, he never failed to stay in character until his very last breath- pun intended.

THE ENDING

As for the ending, I can honestly say that I would still force myself to sit through the second part- if there is gonna be one. It may very well be the curiosity in me, but it felt like the film had so much potential to be left as is. But then again, if they weren’t able to do the first film justice, how can you expect that the second one will be any different? Well, I guess we’ll never know.

THE CONCLUSION

If you’re looking for a suspense sci-fi thriller with a solid foundation, an articulate flow and a relative resolution, then you’re looking at the wrong place.  It’s better to not indulge yourself in cheap thrills and scientific gibberish that will probably just leave you hanging and wanting your money back. Luckily, I had my friend lend me his copy.