The Empty Man Deserves a Cult Following

David Prior Interview: www.secrethandshakecinema.com...
Chris Stuckmann discusses The Empty Man (2020), a horror film from an ambitious new filmmaker that was disregarded by audiences and tossed aside by critics.

[@Virus16th]

I didn't need this video to recognize The Empty Man is a masterpiece. I grew up in San Francisco.

[@superlegomoose]

:'D lol

[@trashboity8773]

After watching it everyone suddenly claims they're from San Francisco

[@nosuchthing8]

I left my heart there ❤😁

[@mekosonedo4257]

This comment is funnier than Donald Trump opening his mouth.

[@RyanLongArt]

@@mekosonedo4257 It is if you're from San Francisco.

[@laertesdd]

And here I am, thinking that 'The Empty Man Deserves a Cult Following' is such a great title - for a movie about the average Instagram celebrity.

[@immense_dreamer]

Haha I thought the same.

[@ArthurSilva-hy5ow]

Lol me too

[@vde1846]

lol

[@GonzaRRK]

Lol

[@clkgtr12]

Oof

[@jordanwilliams3224]

The cult bonfire scene was nothing short of incredible

[@eldritchbidoof]

the shot of them marching quickly around the campfire in unison is now stuck in my mind, what an absolutely haunting shot (and movie!)

[@Georgesspierre]

It was funny to me because in my village we do such a thing every year, with a big ass fire. Must be some pagan think that we kept until today.

[@MDMetalManiac]

Hell yeah

[@user-sl9bv8bi7o]

@@MDMetalManiac "Yeah, no."

[@applejuice7648]

@@Georgesspierrethis comment struck my interest 😂 hold up bud, you’re telling me you actively do this without knowing why everyone does it?! 😂 I love this vibe It’s chaotic

[@dimoslaros724]

Lesson to be learned. Not everything that rotten tomatoes and other platforms say is bad is actually bad.

[@dimoslaros724]

@@kp1x I seen a lot of titles who like this, do not receive the proper attention they deserve, but also the opposite...have great reviews on rotten tomatoes and other review platforms and are literally crap in terms of artistic work, writing, acting and/or execution. Why are you or should anybody be amazed? We live during times where even songs become hits on the radio just because the record label pushes the envelope of £$€ for them to become hits.

[@darkwoods1954]

''Professional'' critics are incredibly out of touch. When they recommend something I tend to see that as a warning sign and if they condemn a movie I'm more inclined to think it might be good. As for RT, it's meaningless now. So manipulated.

[@Sameer-es9vs]

Rt is shit, only hardcore activist and propaganda journalist go there to raise wokeness

[@list3058]

"Hi, I'm Dimos! I was born ten minutes go!".

[@dimoslaros724]

@@list3058 is not like I didn't know what I mentioned there. But is more about a reminder of something obvious and clear that people tend to forget. Is the reality...

[@sclark615]

I love when Mr. Stuckman tells us we've missed a gem.

[@Tsutsu5]

Bob is life

[@0layyy]

Bob is life

[@bitcoinethereum9702]

This movie was complete ultra garbage makes you want to stab yourself in the face w/ a pair of scissors for no reason.

[@saxglend9439]

He was paid to promote this crap movie.

[@Ferraridaone]

Yea because it be Factz

[@anthonyrodriguez1606]

Saw the review. Stopped. Rented the movie on KZbin. Watched it. Came back. I am now stuckmanized.

[@Fitzgeralduh]

Quite literally

[@corneliuspape1985]

I did exactly the same :)

[@kczcrocker]

I literally did the same thing

[@wurmrave6831]

Me too

[@kakiflyhanzo492]

۞―P̳r̳e̳m̳i̳u̳m̳ ̳P̳r̳i̳v̳a̳t̳ ̳S̳e̳x̳―۞ ➡️➡️️ 》》 livegirls19. com 《《 -----------------^^----------------- ♠【﹄💖𝐊𝐋𝐈𝐊≔⫸LINK 💖﹃】 ♠みゃあこさん！ฅ( ̳• •̫ • ̳ฅ)ﾆｬﾝ !❤️ 在整個人類歷史上，強者，富人和具有狡猾特質的人捕食部落，氏族，城鎮，城市和鄉村中的弱者，無`'守和貧窮成員。然而，人類的生存意願迫使那些被拒絕，被剝奪或摧毀的基本需求的人們找到了一種生活方式，並繼續將其DNA融入不斷發展的人類社會。 說到食物，不要以為那些被拒絕的人只吃垃圾。相反，他們學會了在被忽視的肉類和蔬菜中尋找營養。他們學會了清潔，切塊，調味和慢燉慢燉的野菜和肉類，在食品市場上被忽略的部分家用蔬菜和肉類，並且學會了使用芳香的木煙（如山核桃，山核桃和豆科灌木 來調味食物煮的時候 1618814901

[@ricklubbers7761]

That "happy birthday" scene right after that tense prologue has got to be the best piece of comic relief i've ever seen. That facepalm he did was so real lmao.

[@caitymarie3975]

I would argue his face when he's driving backwards from the bonfire 😅

[@ramenreacts6330]

Just watched this on hbo max today. Honestly would have never given it a watch if it hadn't been for your review a couple months ago. Thank you.

[@momzillainnova]

Oh excellent, its on HBOMAX???

[@molliee5183]

MomZillainNOVA yes I just watching it there rn as well!

[@scottfrenz]

Same

[@davidhiltebrand3987]

Same here. I ended up really enjoying it. I didn’t find it as unsettling as Lake Mungo (only making the comparison because I watched it based on Chris’s recommendation), but it was quite good.

[@jorgehurtado336]

@@momzillainnova l

[@wakawaka4752]

this video helped me realize “The Empty Man” and “The Bye Bye Man” are two entirely different movies

[@mayle2010]

Right?? I was so confused because I thought he changed his mind on the film

[@azraelus1]

It helped me realise David Pryor and Richard Pryor are two different people too

[@antonimartinez9961]

The Bye Bye Man was God awful

[@RazorusR3X777]

What about "The Pee Pee Poo Poo Man"?

[@xpkareem]

There's also Hollow Man which is a pretty bad Kevin Bacon movie.

[@jarodlechadores4336]

Chris, you seem a lot more excited talking about underrated or obscure things nowadays than new releases. If taking about films like “The Empty Man,” is what excites you please do more videos like this.

[@carlymills871]

Amen!

[@SimonWh0]

YES! I need more indie films to watch.

[@GreyMan216]

100 percent agree! Plus, well known new releases don't need the exposure, anyway. Obscure indies with no institutional backing need it the most.

[@elblanco7741]

No, it's just that new movies have barely came out since it's 2021. Once new films start coming out (Dune especially), he'll get way more excited. He was very happy back in 2019 with many successful films.

[@JaydevRaol]

Agree man.

[@Skeletal33]

the scene of the cult around the large fire was a masterclass in pacing, editing, and feel.

[@claudes.whitacre1241]

When he went into the cult headquarters...continually going deeper, to lower floors, and worse lighting and more foreboding. Every second, I felt it was more certain he wasn't going to make it out alive I think the most interesting scene was toward the end, when he was in the hospital talking to the nurse....and you kept realizing something was off...then more off...and throughout the movie, it felt like you were constantly seeing little revelations... It reminded me of In The Mouth Of Madness. I kept seeing hints that maybe parts weren't real. A few serious chills up the spine. A sleeper.

[@jacobstromburg5803]

He did a great job of setting up the "jump scare moment", but never giving you the jump scare. Just leaving the audience in a state of suspense.

[@jacobstromburg5803]

This movie had a lot of scenes where you thought the jump scare was coming, especially in that scene at the institute, but it never did, and that's almost worse. You're left in a continual state of anticipation.

[@danshanksalot8320]

Having seen the movie, "The Empty Man deserves a cult following" is a wonderfully ironic video title

[@jaguarenduda]

ha! indeed

[@mekosonedo4257]

Right? Irony abounds.

[@alexteasdale4599]

Amen to that 🙏

[@sdog1234]

Even though I disliked the movie I gotta give Chris props for the title lol

[@Cinnamarollin]

LMAO

[@emmasomers4493]

Worked on this film down here in South Africa, so happy to see it get some attention.

[@adelecovus7482]

Wow how cool. X

[@jonathanwolfe3765]

You should be proud, it's very special in a very spooky, unique kind of way.

[@tomanski3767]

Amazing!

[@Profmillar]

Had no idea that it was made out here.

[@Wolfy2k4]

See, I fell for this with chris before... he banged on about Lake Mungo. I finally got to watch it and felt it was quite a letdown. .... except one certain scene that gave me genuine chills. Will I try this one? ..... fool me once.....

[@cable7152]

Just finally watched this, consider me a member of the cult that follows this. Incredible piece of horror, very well acted and directed, and maybe the best sound design and score I've heard in a long time. Loved it.

[@lamichael19]

Same. But it seems like it isn't for everyone. But i do love cosmic horror. And nyarlathotep is one of my favs

[@tvnorminstudio3080]

Chris influenced me to watch it Definitely in my favorites now

[@cable7152]

@@tvnorminstudio3080 👍 join the cult

[@mikeduke57]

I watched this a few nights ago and then watched it again two days later. I loved it from the opening scene and that creepy ass weird skeleton in the cave and its effect on them. I loved the cult aspects because i love creepy cult stuff too. (In fact, the guy who plays Paul in this movie, Aaron Poole plays in one of my favorite cult movies, The Conspiracy.) But the first time i watched it, near the end when the empty man attacks James, that was when my whole perception of what was going on changed. You see the head of the Empty Man push through the fabric and change into a long, thick whip like appendage before it pours itself into his mouth and enters him. That whiplike appendage, kind of giant tongue like, is a pretty unique design i recognized right away. I instantly knew what it was. Nyarlathotep. H. P. Lovecraft's creation. Also known as the Bloody Tongue, the Black Pharoah, and the Crawling Chaos. He's also the entity who is known as the Messenger. He pops up in different places throughout time setting up cults and communicating secrets to man etc. The empty man transmits, we receive. Sounded like a perfect fit to me. So, after i finished the movie, I did a search online and found a Reddit thread where someone posited the same premise months ago. Several people agreed with the premise, but one person said that at the end of the scene where the cultists are chanting around the fire, that they actually chant Nyarlathotep's name. I was like, "you gotta be fucking kidding me", right??? So, I went and watched that scene again, and damn if it wasn't so! Right after they're chanting and the flames of the fire rise up into the sky and James looks up and the stars warp, when he looks back down and the fire has settled back to burning normal, as the cultists walk around the fire for about 9 seconds, they ACTUALLY chant Nyarlathotep. No shit. They did it in monotone, individual syllables. Ny-ar-lat-ho-tep ... Ny-ar-lat-ho-tep ... Ny-ar-lat-ho-tep ... Three times they say his name and then that's when they stop chanting and the lights go out. Blew me away and made me love this movie even more. It is definitely cosmic horror, and not just cosmic horror but one of the best movies ever to incorporate Lovecraft mythos material. At the same time, its not heavy handed and can be appreciated by people who don't even recognize that part of it because of how well they subtly mixed the mythos of H. P. Lovecraft in with the eastern philosophy concepts of the Tulpa and manifesting thoughts - Thought + Repetition + Time = Flesh. This move is a friggin masterpiece and an amazing work of storytelling and cinematic art. I absolutely love it.

[@parkerscarbrough6361]

Just, wow, thank you @Mike Duke you are a legend. I just went to the wiki page for the movie and gave it my best update because of your insights. Keep up the amazingly intelligent work.

[@mikeduke57]

@@parkerscarbrough6361 Wow. Thanks so much sir! 😎👊👊

[@matchington1148]

I read this high asf last night and it blew my mind. I have returned sober to tell u that ur a legend for this comment cheers mate

[@thewateringwiz7118]

You blew my mind !! That was awesome to read and thank you for this comment

[@mikeduke57]

@@matchington1148 Just saw this today. Thank you! 👊👊

[@FlavumSignum]

My wife and I were literally the only 2 people in the theaters when this movie was out. We did go in expected to laugh our ass off for another Slender Man / Bye Bye Man ... went out of the theater with "wow, awesome movie." We loved it and honestly we tried to watch it again but that's when we found out they only screened it for 2 days only.

[@Questionablexfun]

Some of my fave little gem of movies were me nearly alone in a theater watching em😆🔥💜 no regrets

[@tycepickett1238]

Yeah I think that's why a lot of people skipped it. They thought with a name like that it would just be something garbage like bye bye man. But I thought it looked interesting so I went to see it, my screening was also empty save for like 2 other people, and holy shit was this actually a really good supernatural horror. And the name actually makes sense and fits in well once you understand what the creature actually is and how it functions.

[@dmac7707]

Well made and the bone is believable,but it becoming an urban myth able to begin by blowing into a bottle is gay as hell

[@HeatherHolt]

What’s really sad is movies like this the writers director and actors among others potentially poured their hearts into and it gets this kind of shit treatment. I’ve never even heard of it before.

[@MisterRawgers]

Don’t go to the ign trailer comment section 😬

[@cidfacetious3722]

@@MisterRawgers I think your comment holds true for any ign vid

[@omarfarooq7211]

@@MisterRawgers I did, u were not wrong

[@Lifesizemortal]

yet here you are defending it...

[@-xphobia]

That's most art. Even bad art.

[@Feralinmy40s]

Chris...that scene at Camp Elsewhere has stuck with me. Holy shit im getting the creeps right now typing this. When they start coming towards him and he just says,"Yeah, no!" That was the most realistic response I've ever seen in a horror movie. Thank you for putting this video out so people like us will learn about this cosmic horror. Fuck...when those flames shoot up into the sky, and then total silence and the lights go out! Goddamn

[@andyzar1177]

That skeleton thing is the coolest thing since Alien’s Xenomorph! Thanks for talking about this film, I would have never discovered otherwise, really liked it and stays with you after the end, that music really gets to you.

[@nthnhnds]

If you like the art, the artist is called Beksinski.

[@blackphillip8486]

Stuckman's enthusiasm for films just deserves a big round of applause all around.

[@gigglemaniarunninwild2207]

But is the film any good?

[@sokobezoo]

@@gigglemaniarunninwild2207 it is damn good

[@LuisSierra42]

Added the movie to my watchlist

[@saxglend9439]

This movie is crap.

[@liquidsword601]

@@saxglend9439 Please whine some more.

[@kiera2867]

I saw it in theatres and I was ranting about how much I loved it in my class and people were like “meh” and I feel so validated that there’s other people who appreciate it.

[@BroAnarchy]

Yeah I Just finished it , and while the ending was a bit confusing i thought it was a really great movie

[@discoskull]

Just watched it. Super impressed. The cosmic horror actually really freaked me out (a timeless malevolent mind reaching into our shared subconsciousness etc.)

[@BroAnarchy]

@John Smith ok troll

[@InTrancedState]

I saw the trailer and I wrote this movie off immediately. The trailer made the movie look like a trash B movie poopfest and after watching the first 30 minutes I'm stunned how off all the impressions were.

[@discoskull]

@John Smith are you familiar with how fiction works, or are you just here to embarrass yourself?

[@kevind6965]

When the fire went off and the cult started chasing him thru the wood, I literally got up from the couch screaming " RUNNNNNNNNNNNNN" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@WolfA4]

The "yeah... fuck this." made me think that it was exactly how a real person would react in that situation.

[@donaldball6671]

Just saw it. Great film. If you look at the prescription bottle, his name means "Shadow". In the beginning, the hikers spin the prayer wheels which have to keep moving so the world continues. The use of the girl telling her friends about the Empty Man on the bridge, which goes back to Slender Man, etc., asks us to consider whether or not something can be brought into existence just by thinking about it. The high school is named after a French philosopher who was big into deconstruction. The name of the building where the cult had it's meeting is named after the Greek temple where mysterious rituals were performed. Probably lots more I missed. There is a continuous tone and level to the entire movie. There is no one doing stupid things and you don't feel cheated at the end. Breath of fresh air.

[@xx_ummer_xx1039]

Perfectly perfectly perfectly written. Great analysis. And yes, there is no one doing stupid things or any cliche scenes and you don't feel cheated. It's really phenomenally well acted

[@TheEternalOuroboros]

Awesome attention to detail👏

[@RazorusR3X777]

Remember, the Empty Man is now a Disney villain.

[@Oregonman2011]

Empty Man for Doctor Strange 2 confirmed

[@yowatchie]

Damn we’re getting Stuckmannized 3 times in 1 week? You’re spoiling us Chris.

[@AxxLAfriku]

I HATE people that HATE other people. The comment I respond to did not spread HATE. That is good. BUT! I get a lot of HATE comments on my amazing videos and I HATE it. Please don't start spreading HATE. Do I have to HATE you too, dear wat

[@datdumbdude4126]

@Oswald Robinson Shameless attempt to get us to subscribe to his channel.

[@willspeakman2461]

I cant handle another stuckmanising.

[@jderrickson4597]

Thats what I was thinking 😂🤣

[@_Wakaz_]

Hey everyone! We finally have a Chris Stuckmann subreddit! It's simply called, r/ChrisStuckmann, founded by me and another awesome mod. We currently have 166 members, we are really hoping to increase asap so we can get a fully active and ongoing Chris Stuckmann fanbase community! So yeah, I'd really appreciate it if you check the Subreddit out, where we can discuss, appreciate and review film, as well as our favourite KZbin critic, Mr Stuckmann himself! So yes, we would be so thankful if you joined, now please come over, so you can *GET STUCKMANIZED!* Thank you! :)

[@vde1846]

Just saw it. Genuinely the best cosmic horror movie I've seen! Just superb tension, atmosphere and symbolism. An absolute tragedy that this got lost in the shuffle.

[@wroth_]

I’m amazed you didn’t mention the score. To me it is one of the most unnerving and memorable horror scores I’ve heard in years. The tension it created was at moments overwhelming.

[@ievakalniskane1992]

Chris should have a podcast.. he could talk more detail about movies, have guests and so on :) I would love to listen to that :)

[@thomasgraham4821]

Agreed!

[@FeelTehPOWA]

just commenting so that algorithm stuff happens and maybe he sees this

[@saucyjackflash2654]

Please

[@Youften]

Yess!!! This. Comment. Right. Here! (Video)Podcast is the way to go, I already have a list of youtuber/filmcritics and movie industry people I'd like him to have on as a guest... He would be perfect for a podcast and seeing as how everybody and their aunt had one... It pains me when people I like and follow don't have one.. some don't fit a reason, they think it's a trend destined to die or that they will run out of guests or ideas... But come on... You can't run out of thing to talk about with cinema, especially Chris I don't think. Let's hope mr. @Stuckmann chris reads this and gives the idea a chance. 2021 let's go!!!!

[@louisehickey5892]

I would love that!

[@KandyPensChannel]

"Distractions rob us of focus, Technology robs us of memory, Repetition robs us of comprehension."

[@CaatsGoMoooo]

*Cue existential crisis for the next month*

[@adamsandlerasa]

@@CaatsGoMoooo enter "like stories of old" HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAYYYYY

[@chovue2363]

Just watched it and that stuck with me. Especially since it was delivered by the mob boss from "barry". 🤣

[@NicholasTy]

@@chovue2363 i don't think he's a mob boss in barry more of a middle man who tells barry what to do/who to kill

[@Nivomandasrail]

Best horror movie soundtrack ever. The map transition to the forest road had me fist-pumping and cheering “yes movie!” This movie deserves more than a cult following. It deserves legendary status recognition in the horror genre.

[@skychamber_studios]

I rented this movie a year ago after seeing this review, and it's something I still think about almost daily. I can't describe my feelings about this film, and by all means, it should'nt have that affect on me. I love how much I love this film, for no legit reason.

[@karenhobgood9591]

Rented "Empty Man" yesterday. It was very intriguing and I really enjoyed it. I love ambiguity in films. I could really see a lot of influence from the movie "Jacob's Ladder". You don't know if the protagonist is really alive or even exists after he visits the institute. The creepiness level is fantastic. BTW, I'm a 77 year old woman who has loved going to the movies since I was a little kid and a ticket cost 35 cents. Chris, I really enjoy your reviews and commentary.

[@piarapatarkarpb43]

You inspire me, thank you. Wish you good health.

[@gilpinsteven]

I love Jacob's Ladder. And I loved The Empty Man for similar reasons. I agree with your take on this.

[@karenhobgood9591]

@@piarapatarkarpb43 Thank you!

[@wills242]

Wow, you’re one cool lady!

[@karenhobgood9591]

@@wills242 Thank you!

[@journeywithrosie]

Such a shame that good movies at times don't get recognition and good advertising while mediocre movies are so well known.

[@benananunya3875]

That's how I felt about Underwater

[@Anthonycheesman33]

Is this a good movie lol

[@Lifesizemortal]

Empty Man sucked

[@journeywithrosie]

@@Lifesizemortal I haven’t seen the movie, it was a general statement that often good movies go unnoticed while bad movies are well known.

[@TacticalDimples]

@@benananunya3875 same but with Dredd 2012.

[@davidmeadows3905]

I saw this in a cinema! I knew nothing except the poster going in. It was one of the most mind blowing cinema experience I've ever had. It is truly meant to be seen in cinema. Ideally seeing it with minimal expectations & no idea where the story is going to take you. If it ever gets shown in a cinema again, even if you've seen it before, go see it.

[@brandonmusick77]

I watched this film on HBO MAX a few months ago and still find myself thinking about it. I've seen it twice now and it's possibly the most underrated horror movie ever. The writer did his research on this movie and I loved every bit of it. I'd love to own the DVD too.

[@MuddMaxx]

I was lucky enough to see this as the only person in the theater. I couldn't stop talking about it to anyone who would listen. Was so disappointed when I found out there wasn't a disc version.

[@Starman998]

Buy a used copy at Redbox. Best bet.

[@phillipnunes8568]

That's what I did, Redbox seems to have the hookup.

[@CNNBlackmailSupport]

I feel like you are trying to make a Tulpa of Blockbuster. No one is disappointed they can't get a physical copy, witch! The power of Chris compells you!

[@joewhitlow5799]

@@Starman998 disc version doesn't exist did you watch the video poop face?

[@guerillanextdoor]

My wife and I were also the only ones in the theater too. I liked it!

[@lukebeaulieu3794]

The “umbrella” is an old school clothesline. Man, dude, you’re making me feel old. 😂

[@peterkarargiris4110]

Yeah, I commented on that too.

[@grrinc]

I commented too. Looks like we've inadvertently formed a community based around correctly identifying laundry equipment.

[@sirjezzumz]

not even that old school too, theyre still popular here in Australia. Maybe they werent used as much in America

[@pheotus]

And you should know what the Buddhist prayer wheel is

[@mainepants]

@@sirjezzumz Hills Hoist as Aussie icon!

[@shannonpotratz489]

Thank you! I love this film! I discovered it right after I started working with Cullen Bunn on the comic, Dragonring (that I'm artist on). Cullen Bunn wrote the original graphic novel, Empty Man. I'm so glad to see it getting at least some attention from audiences. I hope more people become aware of this hidden gem in the years to come...

[@jackstevensbass]

Soooo glad you picked up on that map transition. I bloody loved that!

[@Tuna503]

You can say the main character got a cult following in that one scene

[@coldfire2753]

bruh

[@Toppu]

that's a good one

[@lombredungout2118]

Nice

[@aparadise.9717]

heyyy

[@phodder]

The map transition is when I knew this movie had some money in it.

[@HeathBlythe]

It was actually very poor looking. Much like the initial landscape FX, this is the only complain I've got about the movie.

[@malcriaditto7048]

i thought it was awesome

[@AndrewRedW]

I think it was the only thing I felt was unnecessary to the movie

[@luka4171]

Really? I honestly got the opposite vibe when it came to effects. The CGI in the movie was very obvious and wonky. A few green screen scenes also took me out a bit.

[@vicktaru]

I literally just watched this movie and immediately came to KZbin because I needed to see people talking about it. There are parts where the tone and feel go funky, but when it hits it hits so hard, and it hits often enough.

[@glyph2011]

Watched this on Disney + just now. Really enjoyed it. A few cheezy moments, but overall a very creepy, atmospheric movie. And the cinematography is fantastic. I’d LOVE this on Blu-Ray.

[@thegoldencompany4191]

how the hell is it on Disney+

[@glyph2011]

@@thegoldencompany4191 screening, distribution or “something” rights I guess. Disney plus has something called STAR in it here. It’s where all the 15, 18 rating content is shown.

[@thegoldencompany4191]

@@glyph2011 I see

[@SolveForX]

I remember when Donnie Darko came out and literally no one anywhere saw it. lol

[@janedoll3237]

I have not been able to bring myself to watch Donnie Darko. Is it really as good as people say? The name puts me off for some reason 🤷‍♀️

[@NewDarkKnight]

@@janedoll3237 same happened to me. I didn’t get enough motivation to watch it. Finally watched it. It's on another level. One of the best in class.

[@ArunKumar-dv8zw]

@@janedoll3237 Yup. I don't like movies that are confusing for the sake of it. But donnie darko has a certain charm that most movies don't have. Even though a lot of things didn't make sense on first viewing, I still enjoyed that experience a lot. You should definitely go for it.

[@SolveForX]

@@janedoll3237 Yeah, the name is dumb. Try to get your hands on the theatrical version. The director’s version fails in trying to over-explain itself. It’s probably the only director’s cut I can remember that’s inferior to the theatrical cut.

[@scotscub76]

@@janedoll3237 Its a masterpiece. One of my favourite fims ever. I still cant believe the director was only 25 years old.

[@Possi_ball]

That t-shirt is one of the best things humanity has ever made. Just had to say it.

[@tempname4039]

Wow what a compliment for a tshirt. How will we describe world peace and a cancer cure. 😁

[@machinaanguis4998]

@@tempname4039 r/whoosh

[@tempname4039]

@@machinaanguis4998 sorry i'm not 10yo so I don't communicate in copy pasted memes.

[@tareqyounis861]

@@tempname4039 big time r/whoosh

[@wootdoo]

I subbed because of the shirt 😂

[@brodaciousmax8025]

I was blown away by this movie and recommend it to anyone. The tension that lays over rolls up and down perfectly. I also like that this movie could be filled with jump scares yet they don't really use em. 10/10 in my movie list

[@jasonmaggard8458]

I caught this on tv yesterday and really enjoyed it. The scene you speak of I really felt the same way. When he says Aw hell naw. I totally felt what he was feeling which for me is a great sign the producer is conveying what he wants you to feel

[@aaronpower99]

“Umbrella without the fabric on it” *that’s a washing line, dude*

[@krazyfrog]

“Spinning these things” lmao they are prayer wheels.

[@AnimatedKookie]

Clearly hasn't played Goon of Fortune.

[@neilbufton2926]

Came to the comments section to make this comment. Also the prayer wheels haha

[@samc821]

I was gonna say the same thing, but then i thought if youve lived in a city all your life its possible not to know about rotary clotheslines, interesting.

[@lukeism2]

Wtf do they not have washing lines in the states im so confused

[@ProfBowen]

The cult bonfire scene is truly frightening and also very reminiscent of another very frightening scene in another very frightening film - Kill List. The top less “umbrella” is actually a rotating clothes line for drying clothes in the sun. The wheels at the beginning are Tibetan prayer wheels and being Buddhist ties in with the Buddhist concept of the Tulpa. Tulpas are a major theme of the third season of “Twin Peaks”

[@markbrowning4334]

I guess I need to finally watch Kill List. I've been ducking it for a long time now. I even had it in my Prime qeue. I keep hearing more and more tidbits about it that interest me. I guess its time to just watch it already.

[@lynette599]

@Rani Ogel Ughhhhhhh

[@Matt-vq9ws]

I was getting Kill List vibes from this too! Definitely a great double bill imo

[@BadSensation]

Kill List was unexpectetly gnarly.

[@roccoblack666]

I have been telling people how unsettling’ killist’ is for years. Empty man definitely arrives the same kinda vibe. Along with ‘ hereditary’ of course 👍🏽

[@inuchan74]

I am so glad you made this video because I remember wanting to see this and then it disappeared. Now know where to find it!

[@Blue8embers-2012]

Thanks for recommending, this is one of the best I’ve seen in awhile, def deserves more acclaim.

[@zhongxina8426]

You had me at "This shit feels like an A24 movie."

[@joelleblanc8670]

I read your comment literally the same second he said it. Today is going to be a good day...

[@azuki2780]

It did. But it felt like one of the lower quality ones

[@justafilipinonamedjake]

@@joelleblanc8670 holy shit! The same thing happened just now. Lol.

[@KJ-je9pm]

I love any A24 film

[@AnarchyJesus]

A24 is trash

[@youtubevoice1050]

The spinning thing is a prayer wheel. It's found in Buddhist temples and has a mantra on it. Praying people pass by and give it a spin. It's a religious ritual.

[@mikesharpsongs]

Indeed, and the "umbrella without fabric on it" is an old clothesline that used to be very common in backyards across the country.

[@nataliekmaguire]

@@mikesharpsongs They're very popular in Australia, every property that has room for one has one. They're called the Hills Hoist.

[@tenzinthekchok1464]

the spinning is more of tibetan buddhism. its basicallly like you said, a prayer wheel. we put prayer paper inside so when someone spins it, its as if the person is readying or saying the prayer.

[@stephenpmurphy591]

Thank you for explaining that.

[@seanbinkley7363]

Saw this today after watching this review many months ago. Your recommendation for this film always stuck in my mind. Thank you!

[@AbdulMalikAllie]

I really like this direction your channel's going in and I really appreciate your work, Chris! Keep up the good work

[@Boshek2019]

“Got more chills than Hereditary” Now that’s a high praise

[@lordsheldor]

why? Hereditary wasn't realy that good 😅 and didn't give me chills

[@lordsheldor]

@@fu6223 not for me ^^ but thats OK :)

[@sapphirejynx]

I LOVED Hereditary. I'm DEF going to be adding this movie to my list now!

[@der4815162342]

as a whole i didn't really like hereditary, but on a scene to scene basis, there is some reeeeeaaaaally good, creepy shit in there

[@hansnoor9637]

Alright, sold. I stop at 8:00. Watch this movie tonight.

[@fktheNCR]

Honestly it’s a shame we don’t get a lot better film adaptations for creepy pastas, there are some seriously good horror ideas from those things

[@michaelkikle3018]

If you love some of those story ideas, and haven’t watched Channel Zero, you’re fucking missing out, my dude lol. Best Creepypasta show ever.

[@dutchman767]

@@michaelkikle3018 the candle cove thing was the lamest shit i ever saw

[@michaelandrews117]

My favourite one would make an excellent short film. It's called 'Autopilot.'

[@michaelkikle3018]

@@dutchman767 Because you have no taste lol

[@shirubionicle]

2018 Slender says "I'm gonna put some dirt in your eye."

[@matrixdukenukem000]

Watched it yesterday as an Indian OTT release and man, after such a long time I watched a movie where I had no temptation to look at my cell phone. What a gem and as Chris said, the imagery is all connected and it plays in your subconscious. I am not great at picking up hidden things but the way this movie is stitched, I still knew something was going on but couldn't point it out. And that just keeps you going.

[@Bowie1311]

My fiancè and I just watched this after seeing your review! It was so good and we loved it. Also the umbrella you mentioned he spun around is actually a clothes line :) They are very common here in Aus

[@Rastaanparta]

This is exactly why I follow your channel. Without your review, I probably never would have seen the movie. And what a movie it was. Here's one for you, Chris.

[@cherchehacknostale]

Was it good then?

[@al.s.3277]

@@cherchehacknostale I just watched it and to me it was nice. Not that I loved it but I did like it and I do think people should watch it.

[@The_Room_2_Doggys_Revenge]

when Chris was imitating Disney executives, i kept hearing Mickey Mouse going "Ha-ha"

[@LuisSierra42]

Are you making fun of Disney? - Disney looking maleficently

[@majimasmajimemes1156]

Fuck Disney

[@patrickcolantuoni1724]

That Mickey Mouse iconic ha ha laugh has a completely different meaning to me after watching the south park quarantine special. If u havent watched( especially if ur not a big fan of disney) do yourself a favor and watch it

[@lucypher8223]

Just watched it, holy shit I love when a movie like this shows up, blew me away

[@davidisaackson2764]

Excellent review and spot on. I watched it tonite with low expectations and can't wait to see it again. Your analysis is perfect.

[@FreedomCinema88]

I really hate that Disney bought Fox. It seemed like after the success of Deadpool they were starting to do some really risky and ballsy stuff and now Disney ruined that...

[@1986jamesa]

@horror gasm yep. nothing changed.

[@JoshuaCastillo6309]

@horror gasm Calm down dude. True, they’ve sucked consistently in recent years like with the Alien franchise. But they gave us Deadpool 1 & 2, Logan and almost a good version of New Mutants BEFORE Pissney.

[@enzodapan5016]

They even shut down Blue Sky in the middle of a movie they're working on that is not Ice Age.

[@teambattleground9076]

Disney cares more about politicical messaging than making good movies. I watch movies for escapism, not to be lectured on the issues I'm bombarded with when I turn on the news.

[@moelester2817]

horror gasm How can you support Disney monopolising the market, it literally ruins competition and causes studios to become less risky and more lazy.

[@Evaa7162]

Hi Chris. The artist referenced by you in the video ( Zdzisław Beksiński) actually lived in my hometown ( Sanok, Poland). His paintings are quite popular in Europe. They are deeply unsettling, borderline horrifying, morbid and distopian really. His life and his son's in itself are equally interesting as they literally lived in the world created in Beksiński's mind , the kind of world we know from E.A.Poe's prose. I hope someone will make a movie about him one day. It's great stuff really ( there is a Polish film about him and his son but what I had in mind is sth in the English language). His paintings really speak for themselves- I'm not including any links here as there are plenty of them online, very easy to google.

[@AlienZizi]

i admire his work so much and hope i can convey atmosphere and detail that well some day. ill have to check that film you mentioned out

[@ClockworkGFX]

Probably my second favorite painter.

[@Evaa7162]

@@AlienZizi It's called " Ostatnia rodzina," 2016 , not sure if it has been released in the English language version.

[@Sp1n1985]

Also the basis of the Xbox game the Medium,by Polish game developers

[@FrenchToast663]

@@Evaa7162 I think it was translated as "The Last Family" or something like that

[@GillianRice]

Your videos are actually so important! Thank you

[@StroboPyrzy]

Thank you Chris! I watched your video “Why don’t they make’em like they used to?” and you mentioned this movie. I bought it from iTunes for full price and just watched it. And it was very intriguing and something strange and full of little things and artsy kinds! It was very inspiring! Thanks for the tip, happy to own it now, and support it. No worries, I’m gonna go to theaters to watch movies, as I always have 😊 Ps. Your channel has been awesome to follow for many many years. Great stuff man! 👍😊

[@KarloPetrov]

After watching this movie with a bottle of beer in hand, I decided I won't blow into it..

[@susanbartlett-ye6476]

😂😂😂

[@CNNBlackmailSupport]

You know what they say... "Bottles of beer are only for two things, drinking, and not blowing into."

[@susanbartlett-ye6476]

@@CNNBlackmailSupport 😅😅😅

[@BroAnarchy]

Thought + concentration + time = Flesh

[@troin3925]

1:55-2:13 To quote Adam "It absolutely baffles me that there are people out there who would passionately defend an opinion that is not even their own."

[@sonicwingnut]

Perhaps ironically by acting as merely a vessel for the hot air of others, they exemplify the core philosophy of this movie's antagonists.

[@uncecrackatriz]

Thanks so much for suggesting this. Finally became available on KZbin tv and I gave it a watch tonight. So. Damn. Good.

[@artherladett442]

Thanks for boosting this!

[@robertdavis3036]

I was in this film. Cool to hear that you liked it, Chris!

[@robertdavis3036]

@John Smith I'm just honored to be in anything, really. Grateful for any opportunities that God blesses me to have.

[@ukaszrucinski8298]

For the record, Beksiński is a great polish artist unfortunately mostly unknown to the world. If you are interested there is a film called "the last family" on hbo go about him and his family. It's amazing especially if you don't know who he was.

[@jaskiniamestwa]

Right on!

[@Den.Vos.Reynaerde]

My wife gave me a Beksiński art book last week. A great gift. Such a talented artist. Also: I love my wife.

[@antona.8659]

Crazy how his works are not as popular and influential on the western media like Giger's and Bacon's artworks. His surreal horror style was made to be adapted into horror films and TV.

[@JanGotner]

Beksiński surely deserves much more attention and I feel that The Last Family is underappreciated (outside of Poland) just like The Empty Man

[@Dano6sic69]

Just check out his work. Amazing. I rate it up there with Giger. thanks for mentioning Him in these comments.

[@LauraAnn1980]

Watched this last night. Mind blowing. Loved how it was shot. There are still a lot I'm scratching my head about. Very nihilistic.

[@WolfsbaneRose24]

All I saw was the thumbnail and respect your critique of movies. Good enough for me and personally I always hope to unknowingly come across cosmic horror. Especially passionately well crafted cosmic horror, such a rarity. So thank you Chris, I might’ve missed this gem.

[@rambler6519]

This movie was AMAZING. It was a horror movie not made for short attention span teens needing jump scares every 10 seconds. Characters were allowed to develop, story element and world building patiently explained in a show not tell nature. When the bad stuff happens, you just don't see or predict how bad it gets. The end did feel a little rushed though and wish it did a better job dropping clues throughout the movie ala Sixth Sense to make it all more satisfying. But between this, Hill House, and Heredity, we are in a mature horror golden age

[@matheuscecilio9977]

Absolutely amazing! To me, this is the best horror film since The Witch and Hereditary.

[@magicman205]

As one of the few that saw this in theaters, this film has one of the best sound designs I've ever experienced in a film. Anytime the wind blows, the score crescendos, or sound effects blare, it's one of the most haunting experiences ever. It's a wonderful film and I'm so happy to hear a mainstream reviewer talk about this film.

[@StonerDjek]

Not only that, but also a great score by the fucking Lustmord himself!

[@deathnocity4143]

@@StonerDjek I've been looking for the score with the buddhist aria in the cave. It's so haunting. Is it Lustmord? I can't seem to find the actual one with vocals.

[@BoogieManSince1977]

Seeking this out asap.... had never heard of it until now, so thanks mate ;) this looks excellent to me

[@Rob801]

Finally got around to watching this. I liked it even more then I thought I would after hearing you talk about it. Will definitely be rewatching this one!

[@pedroportillo1585]

Another movie that deserves a cult following is “Upgrade”!

[@neoman285]

Agreed. Upgrade was like the The Matrix spiritual prequel, freaking amazing!

[@jennycoyle8204]

Yes 🙌

[@Majorworks100]

Absolutely! That's one of my favorites

[@jackkain7141]

@@neoman285 My favourite comparison is "Upgrade is the better Venom."

[@vicaldama9314]

We are the founding cult members...I have a bb gun In my pinky

[@shmagiggywokka]

9:17 Chris: "Spins an Umbrella without fabric on it..." Australians: "What, the Hills Hoist?"

[@kristiecherie]

As an Australian I can’t decide whether I’m more shocked that he doesn’t know what a clothes line is, or that he doesn’t know what a prayer wheel is 🤔 I’ve read elsewhere that Americans mainly use dryers because the weather isn’t good enough to line dry clothes.

[@Peter-qq3io]

@@kristiecherie I’m sure he knows what a cloths line is. They just usually don’t look like that.

[@kristiansummers6183]

That cracked me up

[@paulnockolds7164]

@@kristiecherie I know right? If he doesn’t know what the prayer wheel symbolises - what else is he missing?

[@dustypink4802]

Thank you!! I was going to comment on this very thing! I'm so glad other Aussies caught this too 😅

[@LadyValkyri]

Thank you. I never would have given this movie a chance without your review, thinking it was another cog in the creepypasta-SlenderMan-trope machine. I believed every word you said, and LOVED this movie. Just finished it about an hour ago. What an absolute gem of a horror film! Hugs

[@Justaddblood1]

Thank you for showing me this!

[@alexlazzerly3677]

A horror recommendation from Chris? Yup I’m definitely checking it out.

[@gokugamer1986]

I watched A ghost story based on his recommendation. Worst !!!🙄

[@DrRAZI99]

You shouldn’t make decisions based on the opinions of others ..

[@alexlazzerly3677]

@@DrRAZI99 What kind of weird statement is that? If I trust that person’s opinion of course I’m gonna listen to it and see for myself.

[@saxglend9439]

It's crap. He must have been paid to give it a good review.

[@davidlillecrapp2960]

“An umbrella with no fabric on it That’s a Hills Hoist clothes line an Australian icon

[@orangedalmatian]

yeah I got genuinely confused when he said that. Do americans just dry all their clothes in machines? Do they not have clotheslines?

[@malachiXX]

I was going to say that. Also the metal cylinders at the bridge are spinning Tibetian Prayer Wheels. I remember seeing them in the movie "The Golden Child" - that's dating me!

[@ununpopular]

@@orangedalmatian We have clotheslines, but those umbrella-looking ones are very uncommon here. I've seen similar things here, but they're different shapes...mostly I recognized it from watching Aussie films.

[@johnspalding3842]

@@orangedalmatian Americans do have clotheslines, usually linear but I've seen the "umbrella" kind. Of course this was back in the 50-60's. I'm sure they're still around.

[@evilemperordude]

@@orangedalmatian My grandmother had one where she lived when I was a kid.

[@mariocamarena]

Just watched it today, and all I can say is thanks for giving some support to this hidden gems that get lost in the sea of this franchise era of film. I love the cosmic horror hints of this movie.

[@samuelrainville9219]

I whatched it! Loved the 20 minutes prologue, then the movie seems to do every clichée of the genre for half an hour. But after the mid point I understood what the hype was about! Glad that I watched it! Magnificent visuals and sounds!

[@dinogirrl1]

Chris, that "umbrella" is an old school clothes drying rack. ☂️

[@emmaboyce8730]

I couldnt stop laughing at his description lol

[@stevenjames1138]

Yes. And those spinning wheels in the prologue are Buddhist prayer wheels.

[@AndrewIles]

These clothes lines are in pretty much every backyard in Australia. It's an Australian past time to hang off it with your siblings as you play poor man's merry-go-round as your mum yells at you from the kitchen, "Get off the bloody clothes line!" 😂

[@tomynoonan]

@@AndrewIles or hang a bag of goon on them; send it round and play goon of fortune at every house party 🤣

[@AndrewIles]

@@tomynoonan Hells yeah 😂After that you'd feel like you were on a bloody merry-go-round

[@_Wakaz_]

The Empty Man is one of the best films of 2020, I am so glad that Chris spoke about this because I've been so desperate for him to appreciate it for so long.

[@viciousbane569]

Not a good film

[@dualleh]

It was overall a good movie. It has a required taste:) I can see that you liked it alot. Stay save!

[@susanbartlett-ye6476]

Watched it right after I listened to this post....Wow...it might sound similar to other movies but it was unique and I'm still weirded out by it... I gave been Stuckmannized and am grateful for it!

[@LuisSierra42]

Added it to my watchlist cause i like weird shit

[@alienatedslayer]

Watched it last night. I loved it. Read your title and didn't even look into it, just rented it. You Transmit, We Receive.

[@ChadVader143]

Dude thank you for this review, you have put everything into words that I've been thinking since I've watched it! So good!

[@zenedwards5213]

Chris's bebop shirts are so epic

[@mysteryman595]

Where do people even find these kinds of shirts

[@Pasicho]

@@mysteryman595 probably etsy or ebay. this is definitely a custom.

[@JaydevRaol]

Yeah man. His t-shirts never fails to impress me. They are always pretty cool. 😁

[@geysaviana9609]

💋Best adult contact site💘👇 Click Here 》》 livegirls19. com 《《 Leurs états de santé respectifs les empêchent de s'approcher trop près l'un de l'autre. 在整個人類歷史上，強者， 富人和具有狡猾特質的人捕食部落，氏族，城鎮，城市~sae和鄉村中的弱者，無力防守和貧窮成員。 然而，人類的生存意願迫使那些被拒絕，被剝奪或摧毀的基本需求的人們找到了一種生活方式，並繼續將其𝔻𝕅𝔸融入不斷發展的人類社會。 說到食物，不要以為那些被拒絕的人只吃垃圾。相反，他們學會了在被忽視的肉類和蔬菜中尋找營養。 他們學會了清潔，切塊，調味和慢燉慢燉的野菜和肉類，在食品市場上被忽略的部分家用蔬菜和肉類，並且學會了使用芳香的木煙（如山核桃，山核桃和豆科灌木）來調味食物煮的時候 1618765342

[@GGrev]

The spinning things are - buddhist temples charm things - clothesline, that spinning umbrella without the fabric hahaha

[@jamesbaker3153]

Prayer wheels

[@BeczaBot]

Hills Hoist clothes line

[@rag_boy]

That hurt me inside when he called it an umbrella

[@wolkenrob]

I heard about "The Empty Man" for the first time on a podcast maybe 6 months ago. Had no idea it even existed before giving it a try earlier this year. Cool to see movies like this receiving attention to hopefully put even more eyes on it!

[@lycanthrope9760]

What podcast?

[@broharski]

Came back to this to say the movie is currently streaming on HBO Max. Shit rules.

[@codym.4501]

That opening scene was epic.

[@Miguel-ki8wj]

like LITERALLY

[@bbqdsushi2585]

Hell yeah, after that first sequence, I thought I was watching a completely different movie and I fucking love it when movies do something totally different. This entire movie had thriller, horror, mystery, noir, psychologic. It had it fucking all.

[@faceripper77]

Fookin scary as shit

[@andiran23]

I knew nothing about the movie, no trailer, not a single frame or picture, I was pretty sure they were gonna be our main characters for the entire film and I actually screamed "HOLY SH*T" when the prologue ended with THAT. Then the title appeared and I went "YES!!!"

[@91earthlink]

Really the only good scene

[@filmpositive6601]

I watched Empty Man in the theater last year and loved it! Had no expectations, knew nothing about it, and was shocked at how awesomely unique it is. It's indescribably unsettling. It burrowed itself into my brain and I could not stop thinking about it for weeks. I NEED THIS ON BLU-RAY NOW!!!

[@primordial2.07]

Same! The movie is a modern cult masterpiece of cosmic horror. Trying to tell people for over a month now.

[@Nyagee]

Yo, that forest scene freaked me all the way out 😰 his reaction as he drove away was so relatable 😅 "whatthefuckwasthat? What the FUCK was that?" 😆

[@DONDOR91]

Saw this last night and had a blast thank you for the heads up

[@broadsword6650]

I stumbled upon this film on Disney+ UK. Clicked "play" knowing nothing about it. After a couple of minutes I was intrigued. After a couple of hours I was entranced. Beautiful, intelligent, unsettling, bemusing, twisty, and demanding repeat views, it's a work of genuine genius and grim delight. I loved it! Then I came looking for a review video but expecting the worst. However, I'm very pleased to find I'm not alone. As you say, this is not a film for everyone ... but ironically no-one loves films that are intended to be "for everyone". However, for those who chance to cross the bridge and fall down the crevasse to meet The Empty Man, it could well be the start of a lifetime fascination. In that respect, and several others, it is like the original The Wicker Man, another movie that fell through the cracks of the "Hollywood" machine but slowly found a dedicated audience. Wicker Man and Empty Man - what an amazing double bill!