The Unborn (2009), directed by David S. Goyer, attempts to blend Jewish folklore with modern horror tropes, presenting a tale of possession and ancestral curses. Despite its intriguing premise and a cast featuring Odette Yustman and Gary Oldman, the film struggles to deliver a compelling narrative, often relying on clichéd scares and underdeveloped characters.

Plot Overview

Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) is a college student plagued by disturbing visions: a sinister child with pale blue eyes, a dog with an inverted head, and unsettling dreams. Her life takes a darker turn when a child she babysits attacks her, uttering the cryptic phrase, “Jumby wants to be born now.”

Seeking answers, Casey discovers she had a twin brother, Jumby, who died in utero. Her investigation leads her to her grandmother, Sofi Kozma (Jane Alexander), a Holocaust survivor. Sofi reveals that their family is haunted by a dybbuk—a malevolent spirit from Jewish folklore—that seeks to enter the living world by possessing twins. With the help of Rabbi Joseph Sendak (Gary Oldman), Casey attempts to perform an exorcism to rid herself of the dybbuk. However, the ritual leads to tragic consequences, and the film concludes with Casey discovering she is pregnant with twins, suggesting the cycle may continue.

Performances and Characters

Odette Yustman delivers a performance that oscillates between vulnerability and determination. While she embodies the archetypal horror heroine, her character lacks depth, often reacting to events rather than driving the narrative. Gary Oldman, as Rabbi Sendak, brings gravitas to the film, though his role is limited and underutilized. Jane Alexander’s portrayal of Sofi adds a layer of historical weight, connecting the supernatural elements to real-world horrors.

Direction and Visuals

Goyer, known for his work on Blade and The Dark Knight, crafts a visually polished film. The cinematography by James Hawkinson employs a muted color palette, enhancing the eerie atmosphere. The use of mirrors as a recurring motif adds to the sense of unease. However, the film relies heavily on jump scares and CGI effects, which, while initially startling, become predictable and lose their impact over time.

Themes and Symbolism

The Unborn explores themes of identity, ancestry, and the inescapability of the past. The incorporation of Jewish mythology, particularly the dybbuk, offers a fresh angle in the horror genre. The film also touches on the trauma of the Holocaust, using it as a backdrop for the origin of the family curse. However, these themes are not fully developed, often taking a backseat to conventional horror elements.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, The Unborn received predominantly negative reviews. Rotten Tomatoes reports an approval rating of 10%, with critics citing its lack of originality and reliance on cheap thrills. Metacritic assigns the film a score of 30 out of 100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. Audiences were slightly more forgiving, with a CinemaScore of B− .

Conclusion

The Unborn presents an intriguing premise, blending folklore with psychological horror. However, its execution falls short, hindered by a weak script, underdeveloped characters, and overreliance on jump scares. While the film boasts strong performances and atmospheric visuals, it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.

Rating: 4/10