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The Bagman (2024): A Surprising Slow Burn That Defies Expectations

Going into The Bagman, I was fully prepared to sit through a low-budget gorefest, packed with cheap jump scares and predictable plotlines. But to my surprise, what I got was something much more refined—a slow-burn suspense thriller that outshines many bigger-budget projects. The film uses its time wisely, building tension and setting up a compelling atmosphere, while steering clear of the typical pitfalls that drag many horror flicks down.

Image by IMDb

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

This movie doesn’t rush. It takes its time to develop the story, but does so in a way that keeps you mildly hooked. It’s one of those rare films where the slower pacing actually benefits the narrative, allowing each element to breathe and come into focus. You won’t find rapid-fire scares here, but rather a creeping sense of unease that makes you wonder what’s lurking in the shadows.

The way The Bagman sets up its "rules"—through a twisted fairy tale—was pure brilliance. By tapping into something familiar from childhood, it adds a layer of eerie nostalgia, making the mystical elements more grounded and believable. It also adds mystique to the villain, leaving just enough unknown to keep you guessing.

Image by Empire

An Ending That Works

I really didn’t see the ending coming—and that’s a compliment. Ok not written well. You know where the ending is going, you just don't expect the movie to actually go through with it. It’s not the typical Hollywood ending that tries to force a happily-ever-after or an overly neat wrap-up. Instead, it felt earned, fitting perfectly with the tone of the film. It was satisfying without being completely predictable, something a lot of horror movies fail to deliver these days.

Image by Screen-connections

The Less You See, The Better

In an era where horror films are quick to shove their monster into the spotlight, The Bagman took the smarter route. The creature is rarely shown, and that mystery makes it far more terrifying. I kept thinking back to Grimcutty, where the moment you see the monster up close, all the fear dissipates because it looks so fake. The Bagman hides its villain in the shadows, making the unknown far more frightening. I wish more horror films would follow this formula.

One of the best parts of the film is how it blurs the line between what’s real and what’s imaginary. You’ll find yourself constantly second-guessing what’s actually happening, which keeps you on your toes and makes the experience more engaging.

Image by Youtube

Final Thoughts

Scored 6.5 out of 10. In the end, The Bagman is above average, but not a must-see. It’s not the home run Lionsgate needs right now, but it’s far from a disaster. With all the struggles their films have had recently, this one is at least a step in the right direction. If you’re a horror fan looking for something with a bit more depth than your usual jump-scare fest, this might just be worth your time. But don’t go in expecting anything revolutionary—just a well-executed, above-average thriller.

Pros:

  • Suspense-building done right: The movie takes its time, creating tension and mystery without rushing the plot. A rare find in today’s horror scene.
  • Unique use of a fairy tale: Grounding the “rules” of the story in a dark fairy tale was a smart move. It’s relatable yet eerie, and adds depth to the lore.
  • Less is more with the monster: By keeping the villain mostly hidden in the shadows, the movie preserves its mystery and fear factor, making it far scarier than in-your-face CGI creatures.
  • An unexpected ending: The conclusion didn’t follow typical Hollywood formulas, and that worked in its favor. It was earned, satisfying, and left you thinking.


Cons:

  • Writing and acting were fine, but not standout: The script and performances did their job, but nothing really jumped out as memorable.
  • Pacing may be too slow for some: While I appreciated the slow burn, it could be too sluggish for viewers looking for more action-packed horror.
  • Character development lacked depth: The characters, while serviceable, didn’t offer much beyond what was needed to move the plot forward.
  • Not a must-see: While better than expected, it doesn’t have the wow factor that would make it essential viewing in the horror genre.

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