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“I got no signal.” [Of course you don’t, sweet pea. Are you new?]

Genre: Houses You Shouldn’t Go Into Fright Fests
Year Released: 2021
Pedigree: Shudder Original
Where I Watched: Shudder

Synopsis: Second Chance Moving Co.; a group of ex-cons who went straight and want to make some honest green. The old guy who hired them wants his home cleared out overnight, throwing more and more money at them when our gang think the job isn’t a good idea. But I’m sure there’s nothing iffy about that. They don’t even have to deal with the attic; it’s padlocked. But I’m sure there’s nothing iffy about that. And the old dude is sitting back, watching them via a bank of CCTVs. But I’m sure there’s nothing iffy about that…

Fabulous or Frustrating?: Attic is a run of the mill Scary House flick lifted up by the excellent performances of the three leads. As Al, Imani, and Carlos, Ryan Francis, Morgan Alexandria, and Bryce Fernelius have an honest, open chemistry that shines on screen. These actors expertly walk the fine line between scary, comedic, and silly Scooby Doo hijinks. This makes the crazy, disjointed plot feel believable, because these actors pull you in.

Does that mean that the film is good? Nah, not really. But it’s passable entertainment. There are plot holes a moving van could easily drive through, and while it’s always fun to have end credit scenes? The movie tells you what happened, instead of showing you. And they had plenty of time to play with, as the film clocks in at under an hour and a half. Plus, there’s a character I’d have liked to have known more about – and gotten a wrapup on – who simply disappears. That’s a shame.

I clicked on this movie because the title seemed to promise a good time. It was either gonna be hilariously bad, or a self aware dark comedy…and it’s kind of in the middle of all that. There are moments (thanks to cast) that are well done, and scenes that left me scratching my head. An interesting idea that ended up a film you can have on in the background while you’re doing some boring house stuff. Attic will entertain you, but the less you pay attention to the story, the more fun you’ll have with the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Keep an eye out for some decent gory FX in between folding your laundry.

Freak-O-Meter: 3 out of 5 Freaks