The Messenger (I) (2015) User Reviews

Melancholy of a medium

[quincytheodore · 6/10 · 23 September 2015]

The Messenger is a strange one, it may disappoint audience who want horror or thriller flick since this is exclusively a psychological drama. The entirety of the movie revolves around Jack, a psychic, as he tries to live his daily life being haunted by spirits of the dead. While the concept is not novel and the ride can be exhausting, it does present a few good perspectives on the mental agony he must go through.

There's a lot of wandering involved as Jack (Robert Sheehan) either runs away from his plague or searching for odd ways to find peace, both of which usually end up poorly. The cinematography works well to set the mood, often using dark palette almost like a cloud hovering around the main character. It gives plenty of fine landscape or urban shots, although these might get old towards latter half.

Robert Sheehan is good on the lead character, he may not warm up quickly since his depression can be discouraging. Often misunderstood, his good will doesn't always reward him with accolade, after all people hearing voices and talking randomly is utterly bizarre. His character can be sympathetic yet it's the nagging feeling that he's not all there which gives depth to his performance.

The movie cleverly portrays him as a man with supernatural gift or simply a mental trouble. Other characters such as his sister or the psychiatrist enhance the relationship even more by showcasing Jack's gradually deteriorating life. This is certainly not a movie that relies on scare or shock, it's a long psychological trudge, The problem with this set-up is the arduous atmosphere surrounding Jack. There's barely any five minutes where he's not yelling or nearly breaking down. This can get tiresome, the constant conflict can produce drama, and it does for a couple of instances, but it's also very heavy and might just deter some audience.

While the drama aspect can be peculiarly engaging at times, The Messenger's overly solemn tone might not relate well to viewer expecting more thrill or excitement.

Personal Review of The Messenger

[raygunjones · 5/10 · 10 October 2015]

I have been a fan of Robert Sheehan ever since I first saw him on Misfits almost 6 years ago, so when I saw that he was in another movie more recently, of course I went out of my way to find it online as it had not been promoted anywhere in the United States. Upon reading the summary, I did not know what to expect as it seemed to be just another "I can talk to ghosts but no one else can see them" type of movie. But the more you get into it, you begin to realize that it is not just that.

I will admit that there were parts that I did not fully understand at first. As a whole this movie is a lot to take in and even having watched it in full with no distractions I felt as if I missed something, or maybe that there was something in the plot that was missing. I find myself having so many questions, but no proper way to word them.

The plot is very scattered, which may lead to confusion, and I thought that it was going to tie together in the end but come to find out that the ending just left me with even more confusion. It is shown earlier in the movie that Emma's son has this "sight" as well, but with her finding the article about the swimming pool at the very end and then cutting to a shot of Ben standing with the drowned boy, it left me wondering what exactly it meant. She had no knowledge of her son seeing the dead boy, and Jack had never mentioned it either, so how did this ending tie into the movie plot whatsoever?

This was not the only time where I was left confused at why certain things were written into the script. As a whole it was difficult to understand what exactly point that the writer was trying to make and why this story was being told. Nothing was resolved in the end, and no one (except maybe Emma) believed the Jack was telling the truth. He was left in the hospital despite having proved (by saving Sarah's life) that he had some type of ability, whether they understood it to be him speaking to the dead or not.

I would not say that this is a awful movie as it did have its strong points; great acting, well put together scenes, beautiful shots and camera work for the most part, but as I stated above it left something to be desired and a feeling that something was missed.

Mediocre at best, annoying throughout

[paq5528 · 5/10 · 2 November 2015]

I see dead people has been done before, and better. In this case we're drawn into the life of someone who has seen dead people for a long time. Instead of taking advantage of what would be an awesome ability, he wallows in self-pity, self-destruction, and stupid common sense mistakes (don't talk to dead peoples' families AT the funeral!).

The problem with this movie isn't the subject matter, or the ability to see dead people and want to complete a "mission" and speak to those still living on behalf of the dead person. The problem is that you never feel anything for the protagonist. He has completely abdicated any sense that his gift is beneficial; to him it is only an anchor weighing him down from doing....what? Night retail work at the local Tesco? Since you never feel any sympathy for the main character despite many flashbacks and inferences that he deserves our understanding and compassion, you never feel like he has been given anything less than a gift that he refuses to take advantage of. And the movie becomes frustrating throughout because of it. Frustrating, then annoying. You want to scream at the screen, just tell them something only a dead person would know about the circumstances, stop coming off like a stalker creep, oh and by the way brush your teeth, take a shower, and change your clothes.

A moment of validation wasted is when he is talking with his nephew and he finds they share a bond; finally, he knows he is not crazy. Easily that serves as a time when both could find solace in one another, provide strength, support...but no.

Strong acting by Sheehan can't save this rubbish heep from just wishing the movie would fast forward to something more substantial instead of the petty sobbing of a man who has been given an extraordinary gift and chooses to waste it.

A painfully sad movie

[fairlesssam · 2/10 · 1 July 2017]

I found nothing enjoyable in this movie. You are basically witnessing the pain of a young man who is a clairvoyant. He sees and hears the dead. He is desperately trying to escape from them and people think he is mentally ill as he stands shouting at nothing. People treat him badly, even his family.

It's not a horror movie, it's a drama really.

Too slow for me.

[fredschepers · 4/10 · 29 March 2016]

Have to say that the acting in general was good. Unfortunately, even for a drama, it was too long winded. Some dialogs were ridiculously unreal. Even someone with a twisted mind wouldn't act like that. Too much attention seeking from someone with basically a burden.

Too much drama will kill a film. Again, I have to say its a British film. Like most British films they are produced for a market. The British market. Story's where the viewer is expected to go deep is actually a Spanish or South American specialty. Or even better, Asian country's.

The story itself is good. It doesn't matter if it is a "I see Dead People" film. There are thousands of films in all genres that have something from another film, or even the first in that genre.

Its just not my thing. As far as I am concerned you should leave these kind of films to Hollywood, or other specialists in drama.

How ever, if you like British drama's, just have a look at this one. For every genre there is a market.

I just happen to be on the wrong market with The Messenger.

Too slow, done before, and done before much better

[deloudelouvain · 4/10 · 19 May 2016]

I watched The Messenger because I saw on IMDb that it was categorized in the thriller and horror section. That was the only reason I was interested in this movie. And again the movie is categorized in the wrong section. It has absolutely nothing to do with a horror movie nor a thriller. IMDb should check movies out for themselves before categorizing them. It's very annoying. The Messenger is just a drama, and not even a good one. It's one of those movies were the story has been done before and way better. The "I see dead people" is a nice idea for a story but unless you bring something new and better then seen before it is of no point making it. The Messenger is way too slow to be entertaining and the slow violin and piano music throughout the movie doesn't help a bit. The cast is okay but also nothing that you will remember about.

Supernatural film that has its moments in an 'I see dead people' plot.

[t-dooley-69-386916 · 7/10 · 15 March 2016]

Jack is something of a psychic or medium who sees the dead. Or rather they seek him out to send messages to the loved ones they have left behind and did not get the chance to say goodbye to. Now the idea is far from new but the film tries to see it from Jack's perspective.

We get the back story in flashbacks and also the constant analysis of his psychiatrist. There is also his estranged sister and the attempts to reconnect. The film itself struggles to find the moments that are essential for a thriller, so has to rely instead on the story. That is where it comes unstuck in that it tends to plod and despite the inspirational landscapes, that are a recurring theme, it still remains essentially bleak.

The cinematography is excellent and the acting is all top rate. Robert Sheehan as Jack is very good as the troubled – but essentially well meaning – young man who has been branded because of his 'powers'. Tamazin Merchant is his 'worried' sister and is also fine. It is though a pretty grim watch with no denouements that will lighten the load. However, it is still a more than watchable affair for all that and it kept my attention for the duration – so can't be too bad.

Could of been good

[kathmummybear · 4/10 · 7 June 2020]

First off Robert Sheehan is such a good actor that unfortunately he makes the rest of the cast look woefully inadequate Especially lily cole . The film started with promise but failed miserably

Good!

[drifter-123 · 7/10 · 24 September 2015]

Jack, played by Robert Sheehan, is a medium, of a scruffy, unkempt, variety. Jack's abilities have not made him rich or famous. Instead, Jack is marginalized by society and in an real sense, condemned by his talent. Jack leads a life of dispossession and isolation.

This film, in large part, takes place inside Jacks head. The plot builds ever so subtly and there are segues that make you question what exactly is taking place. The question of who and what Jack is, is as much a mystery as the unfolding story of a murdered journalist. Is Jack in fact in possession of supernatural abilities that let him talk to the murdered reporter or is he, more plausibly, mentally ill?

Entirely boring

[Leofwine_draca · 3/10 · 28 November 2018]

THE MESSENGER is an entirely boring indie production from Britain, telling the story of a down-on-his-luck guy who has the ability to see ghosts. Don't go in expecting some kind of supernatural extravaganza, though, because this is one of those low key movies that goes for grimy realism over anything more cinematic. The film is drawn out to the extreme and entirely boring, too; one scene has the protagonist standing on the same spot for ten minutes reminiscing, and I was struggling not to fall asleep from the boredom. Robert Sheehan delivers a one-note performance as boring as the script, and giving non-performers like Lily Cole major roles was a massive mistake too.

Slow burn psycho supernatural mystery

[s3276169 · 9/10 · 24 September 2015]

The Messenger is a slow burn, psycho supernatural mystery.

Jack, played by Robert Sheehan, is a medium, of a scruffy, unkempt, variety. Jack's abilities have not made him rich or famous. Instead, Jack is marginalized by society and in an real sense, condemned by his talent. Jack leads a life of dispossession and isolation.

This film, in large part, takes place inside Jacks head. The plot builds ever so subtly and there are segues that make you question what exactly is taking place. The question of who and what Jack is, is as much a mystery as the unfolding story of a murdered journalist. Is Jack in fact in possession of supernatural abilities that let him talk to the murdered reporter or is he, more plausibly, mentally ill?

The story is explained, in part, by references to Jacks past. The movement between the past and present can be somewhat disorientating. For me this was one of the few annoyances in this film but a necessary one when the films conclusion is finally reached.

The acting, especially Sheehans performance, is remarkable. Sheehan makes you empathize with and in an odd way, appreciate and understand Jack, especially when his past is brought to bear on his current predicament.

All in all this is really worthwhile, very human story. Its not for the impatient so if you like you rewards early on this film may not be for you. If, however, you are willing to take the time, you may come to see what an excellent, if understated work, The Messenger is. Nine out of ten from me.

I see dead people.......honestly......

[FlashCallahan · 7/10 · 18 October 2015]

Jack is a troubled adult, who's had a troubled life. In fact, everything about him is troubled, and trouble.

After a major life event affected him as a child, he has since had the ability to be pestered by troubled souls, dead people, and because of this he is stamped as a mental health problem (but talking to souls in a pub looking very dishevelled and unkempt doesn't help).

After a journalist is found dead, and it looking like suicide, Jack is hounded by the soul, because something wasn't quite right about his death, and he's trying to get a message to his loved one......hence the title.....

If you take Randall & Hopkirk (deceased), then add elements of The Sixth Sense and Ghost, you get this quite gritty, suburban Gothic horror.

Sheehan excels as our protagonist, not doing his character any favours by playing Jack as a very dis-likable person, but because of his back-story, you can forgive his shortcomings, as the narrative depicts his childhood to be less than pleasurable.

The film focuses on grieving, forgiveness and guilt, as the immediate characters to Jack perceive his 'gift' as a result of his fathers death, and how the family unit changed when he and his sister became fatherless.

It's a shame that the gift stemmed from sudden loss, because this just seems like a cheap excuse from the makers to make him seem like a 'weirdo' to others, and the on,y one who believes him is involved in a minor sub-plot that becomes a major twist come the end.

It's not a bad film by any means, it's just disjointed and doesn't know what to do with all the sub-plots going on, and in turn, it never really wraps itself up for a satisfactory conclusion.

But the cast are great, the cinematography is wonderfully bleak and cold, but I fear many will miss the grieving/loss/guilt element of the narrative and see it as a straight up horror.

Worth watching though.

One of those slow going nowhere movies

[Bernie4444 · 3/10 · 21 March 2024]

You know the type that uses dark (both lighting and attitude) scenes to be dramatic. That annoying piano tinkling constantly in the background. You cannot turn the sound off on the DVD because there are no subtitles.

Most of these stories follow the same scenarios and patterns. Sometimes there are a few twists. You just have to listen to that awful piano music and decide for yourself if you want to put up with it to see the acting and dialog.

Jack (Robert Sheehan) sees dead people. Now, where have we heard that one before? Yep, the dead people always have their agenda and Jack is the patsy. Of course, no one believes him. So, he is telling his life story to a psychiatrist (Joely Richardson.)

Now, in the end, is he unadjusted, or has the psychiatrist got it all figured out?

Disappointing supernatural drama

[scotsmitch · 4/10 · 19 August 2020]

Usually when I'm browsing for a movie to watch the names of Robert Sheehan and David O'Hara , two character actors that ( usually) don't disappoint, are good enough for me. Unfortunately this movie manages to suck the life from them . They both give a lacklustre performance that belies the talent they both have. This supernatural thriller manages to be neither.

Good movie

[k-ford-356-288578 · 7/10 · 13 January 2019]

I enjoyed this movie, sad but frustrating for poor Jack - why won't anyone believe him! Ghosts are a bit rubbish at helping the poor guy out too!!

Disappointed at the ending though, wanted that loose end tied up so hopefully there will be a Messenger 2 if Jack hasn't jumped off a building himself!

Visual feast.

[jeffscott20 · 10/10 · 23 June 2015]

All you want from a very, very surprising movie. A skillfully written and acted movie, more please..............!

Main characters are fully formed, the dialogue is rich the locations well thought out.

The main characters are very human and you want more and the movie keeps giving.

Young actors are well directed giving me the feeling of a fully rounded journey.

I saw this at the Scottish film festival and was not expecting a small masterpiece.

Tragic and Beautifully Haunting

[fake_moviestar · 8/10 · 2 March 2019]

I'm a huge fan of Robert Sheehan, and this is truly one of his very best moments of acting. I'm really puzzled as to why this movie has some really bad reviews - it is a hauntingly beautiful story of what might happen to someone who has been tormented by ghosts from the time they were just a young boy. I thought the cinematography was very well done, the shots of Jack speaking while walking "alone" through various vast, empty places was an interesting choice that I think paid off. The music was perfectly suited to the morose and at times painful mood of the story. And the acting... wow, just wow. Robert Sheehan was truly amazing as such a tortured, tragic soul. This is a story that will stick with me for a few days at least. Well worth the watch. I did not find it to be boring at all, in fact I was absolutely riveted. That said, it is definitely the kind of movie that you watch for the acting, rather than the action.

Could have been better

[ts-27636 · 10/10 · 10 April 2021]

This film could have been better. Shoddy Direction but a great performance by Robert Sheehan.