Brightburn

So far, Tori ( Elizabeth Banks ) and Kyle Breyer ( David Denman ) have actually had a very nice family life. Her son Brandon ( Jackson A. Dunn ) is her pride and joy, and nothing seemed to spoil their happiness. But now Brandon is twelve years old and starting to behave very strangely. For example, he is prone to strange outbursts of violence that he has never had before. Again and again, he is hardly recognizable. It’s a shock for the parents, they don’t really want to accept the changes. Because that would also mean going back to the incident when Brandon came into her life.

It’s in the nature of things that films tend to be promoted using the most recognizable names in the crew. In the case of Brightburn, that’s James Gunn, who has become a highly sought-after director thanks to his two Guardians of the Galaxy-themed films. He doesn’t direct here, he limits himself to the functions of the producer. However, the screenplay comes from his immediate environment: his brother Brian and cousin Mark are responsible for the story of the creepy boy who suddenly terrorizes those around him

Everyday horror meets super abilities: “Brightburn” modifies the usual slasher scenario, but makes too little of this template. The film is entertaining, and scary at times, but overall not really exciting and also lacks the necessary emotional foundation.

• Brightburn