It’s sad to say that life and midterms have gotten in the way of properly watching Netflix, but I was finally able to watch "Horns". I’m not quite certain what kept attracting me to indie movies. Perhaps it’s because most of them do not get sufficient credit. The image of Daniel Radcliffe on the cover automatically attracted me to the movie. He’s has done many films, most of them indie films, but I will forever see him as the “boy who lived”. With nothing in my mind but the hope that he will pull out a wand at some point during the movie, I still watched the movie with an open mind. I must admit, I was surprised on so many levels.
The first shocking thing about this movie was the premise. The movie used surreal experiences to make comments on the human condition. Throughout the film, they explored the battle of good and evil in a very unique way. The movie brought in religious references in order to further the plot, but it was just subtle enough that it was in no way a religious movie. The plot was definitely one of a kind and pleasantly surprising.
The second shock was how graphic it was. It definitely wasn’t the most graphic movie I’ve ever seen, but it’s definitely one of those rated R movie that you probably shouldn’t let the kids watch. There are both graphic images, both violent and sexual, but they definitely don’t consume the movie. Pleasantly, the graphic images aren’t the kinds that are just thrown in there just because. Each graphic sequence had a purpose towards the plot.
What was most surprising about this movie was how much I enjoyed it. At first, I was purely curious and wanted to figure out where it was going. Once it got more in-depth, it brought in so many different components—romance, drama, good vs evil—that came together so well. The entire time I was totally invested in the story and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. For me, endings can make or break a movie, and this ending did not disappoint. So definitely watch Daniel Radcliffe’s excellent performance in Horns. Also, the indie queen, Juno Temple, plays her character beautifully.
Have you seen "Horns"? Let me know what you thought! Join the conversation and reach the writer at ybrewste@asu.edu.
Jesi is an English Lit and Transborder studies double major. She enjoys reading, writing, and the occasional social experience. She is most comfortable in areas where there is food, otherwise known as the quickest way to her heart.
