Movie Review: The Pyramid

If you rushed to theatres in 2010 with high hopes for Piranha 3D, you probably remember being treated to a large steaming heap of disappointment (with a side of disembodied genitalia, to top it off). Fortunately, French director Grégory Levasseur’s latest project The Pyramid is reminiscent of his most successful past work, The Hills Have Eyes (2006).

team

The movie follows the archaeological journey of Nora (Ashley Hinshaw) and Holden (Denis O’Hare), a father-daughter duo. Their journey into a newly discovered Egyptian tomb is recorded by documentary filmmakers Sunni (Christa Nicola) and Fitzie (James Buckley). Tech expert and obligatory love interest Zahir (Amir K) tags along as the team explores the ancient structure, discovering the cursed horrors that lie within.

Another entry in the found footage trope that has been springing up in recent horror movies, The Pyramid manages to avoid the usual complaints that tend to arise with the use of such techniques. “Shaky-cam” nausea à la Cloverfield (2008) is almost non-existent. The use of a Mars Rover camera (it’s almost Wall-E-like) provides unique shots and angles that give the audience a unique way of exploring the tomb, almost like you’re there with the actors.

On the surface, The Pyramid seems to follow a similar structure to another recent exploration-style horror film, As Above So Below (2014). Dig a little deeper, however, and you’ll find that the flick is surprisingly unpredictable. Witty dialogue? Developed characters? The Pyramid’s got it all.

egyptian mythology

The film’s most impressive achievement is its ability to use Egyptian mythology to produce a movie monster that’s genuinely terrifying. Horror fans, you’re in for a treat. This is a film with jump scares for the easy-screamers among you, and deaths so gory you’ll be glad you didn’t get that box of popcorn after all. Some death scenes are even appear to pay homage to the classic Alien franchise.

sacrifice

Discounting the lead actress Ashley Hinshaw, whose awkward lines delivery exposes her limited acting experience far too well, the rest of the solid cast and believable plot make The Pyramid horrifying in the best way possible. It’s no Exorcist, but it’s a worthy film that’ll make you scream for your Mummy. Just hope that the right one answers.

Rating: 3.5/5

Release Date: December 4

Runtime: 89 minutes

Censorship Rating: NC16

Genre: Horror/Thriller

Director: Grégory Levasseur

Cast: Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O’Hare, James Buckley, Christa Nicola, Amir K