SXSW Movie Review: Pod

By Brad Henderson

Does every horror film need some originality in order for it to be good? I think half of people surveyed would say yes and the other half would say no. Personally, I’m a “no” because I feel if the film has the right elements, it can be just as good as something completely original. Do we constantly have to be surprised or shown something new each and every time we see a new film? I think as long as the film has a good script, solid acting, good characters, and a decent soundtrack it will be successful to me. This is how I feel about Pod.

I feel that Pod doesn’t bring anything new to the table, but it’s a successful attempt from first-time filmmakers making a low-fi sci-fi action horror flick. Even with the minimal budget they were obviously working with, I think all the elements of a good film are there. The fact that they can make a dollar go a long way needs to be appreciated by the general public because they often don’t have a clue how this stuff works.

Pod is about a trio of siblings who have apparently drifted away from one another, all living separate lives. Martin lives out in the woods and has PTSD, Ed is a successful doctor, and Lyla is a party girl. Ed receives a frantic phone call from Martin who has isolated himself at the old family cabin and sounds like he is having a mental breakdown. Ed reaches out to Lyla and the two of them take a road trip to the cabin in order to comfort Martin. Once they encounter Martin, they quickly realize he is not well and very hostile. Martin claims there is a Pod and the government is behind it. He also claims he has one down in the basement locked away and forbids Lyla and Ed to go down there. Is Martin crazy or does he really know something that the others don’t?

Pod doesn’t tread new ground; it’s more of a throwback to older films. But, with a decent script and some great special effects, it still keeps us on our toes as well as making us jump now and again. If you’re into basic horror that looks and sounds great you’ll be pleasantly surprised with this small indie, but if you’re looking for something new and exciting you may be disappointed. Don’t let that deter you from watching it; you just need to have more of an open mind.