The 2018 film Slender Man clocks in at a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes (93 minutes), including end credits. This relatively brief duration, however, belies the complex and controversial history surrounding the film and the infamous internet meme it draws upon.
Unpacking the Slender Man Movie Experience
While the runtime itself is easily quantifiable, understanding the film’s impact, reception, and the broader phenomenon of Slender Man requires a deeper dive. This section will explore the factors that contributed to the film’s overall experience for viewers.
A Brief Synopsis: What to Expect from the 93 Minutes
The film centers on a group of teenage girls who, after researching the Slender Man online, unwittingly summon him. They subsequently face terrifying and increasingly disturbing consequences as the Slender Man encroaches upon their lives and the lives of those around them. Expect jump scares, unsettling visuals, and a palpable sense of dread. The narrative attempts to explore themes of teenage anxieties, internet culture, and the dangers of online mythology.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
Slender Man received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, citing a lack of originality, weak character development, and an inability to translate the creepypasta mythos effectively to the big screen. Audience response was similarly lukewarm, with many feeling that the film failed to deliver on its potential for horror. Box office performance was moderate, barely recouping its production budget. The film is often criticized for its shallow exploration of the Slender Man myth and its lack of genuine scares.
The Controversy Surrounding the Film
Perhaps the most significant factor impacting the film’s reception was the controversy surrounding its release. The Slender Man character gained notoriety in 2014 when two 12-year-old girls in Wisconsin attempted to murder a classmate in the hopes of appeasing the fictional entity. The victim survived, but the incident cast a dark shadow over the Slender Man mythos. Many felt that making a horror film based on the character was insensitive and exploitative, given the real-world tragedy connected to it. Some cinema chains even pulled the film from their theaters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Slender Man Movie
This section addresses common questions and concerns regarding the Slender Man movie, providing a more detailed understanding of various aspects related to its production, content, and cultural impact.
FAQ 1: Is the Slender Man Movie Scary?
The level of scariness is subjective and depends on individual tolerance for horror. While the film employs jump scares and unsettling imagery, many viewers found it more suspenseful than genuinely terrifying. Critics generally agreed that the film lacked the atmosphere and psychological depth needed to create a truly chilling experience. The effectiveness of the horror is often debated, with some finding the jump scares predictable and the overall narrative lacking in originality.
FAQ 2: Where Can I Watch Slender Man?
Slender Man is available for rent or purchase on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies. It can also be found on DVD and Blu-ray. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check your local streaming services and retailers for the most up-to-date options.
FAQ 3: Who Directed Slender Man?
Slender Man was directed by Sylvain White. He is known for directing other films like Stomp the Yard and The Losers. His previous work hasn’t been primarily in the horror genre, which might have contributed to the film’s tonal issues. Sylvain White’s direction was a point of contention for many critics, who felt his approach failed to capture the essence of the Slender Man mythos.
FAQ 4: Who Stars in Slender Man?
The film stars Joey King, Julia Goldani Telles, Jaz Sinclair, Annalise Basso, and Javier Botet as the Slender Man. The young cast brings a certain level of talent to the roles, but the script’s limitations hindered their ability to create memorable characters. The actors’ performances were often overshadowed by the negative reception of the film itself.
FAQ 5: What is the PG Rating of Slender Man?
Slender Man is rated PG-13 for disturbing images, sequences of terror, thematic elements, and brief strong language. This rating suggests that the film contains potentially frightening content suitable for teenagers but may not be appropriate for younger children. Parents should exercise caution and consider the content warnings before allowing younger children to watch the film.
FAQ 6: Is Slender Man Based on a True Story?
No, Slender Man is not based on a true story. The Slender Man is a fictional character that originated on the internet forum Something Awful in 2009 as part of a Photoshop contest. He quickly gained popularity and became a widespread internet meme and creepypasta legend. It’s crucial to remember that the Slender Man is a fictional creation, despite the real-world events that have been associated with him.
FAQ 7: What Are Some Alternative Horror Movies to Watch Instead of Slender Man?
If you’re looking for a genuinely scary horror movie, consider exploring films like The Babadook, Hereditary, It Follows, The Witch, or The Ring. These films offer a more sophisticated and unsettling approach to horror, focusing on psychological terror and atmosphere rather than relying solely on jump scares. These alternatives are generally considered more effective and critically acclaimed horror experiences.
FAQ 8: Does the Movie Stay True to the Slender Man Lore?
The film takes liberties with the established Slender Man lore, drawing inspiration from the character’s various interpretations across different online platforms. However, it deviates significantly from the original mythos in some aspects, which disappointed many fans. The film’s interpretation of Slender Man is often criticized for being a watered-down and less nuanced version of the character.
FAQ 9: What is Slender Man’s Origin Story?
The Slender Man was created by Eric Knudsen (aka Victor Surge) on the Something Awful forums in 2009. He submitted two Photoshopped images depicting a tall, thin, faceless figure lurking in the background of children’s photographs, accompanied by short captions alluding to the figure’s mysterious and unsettling nature. This initial creation sparked a collaborative storytelling phenomenon that quickly spread across the internet.
FAQ 10: Is There a Slender Man Video Game?
Yes, there are several Slender Man video games, most notably Slender: The Eight Pages and Slender: The Arrival. These games offer a more interactive and immersive experience of the Slender Man mythos, often focusing on atmosphere and psychological horror. The video game adaptations are generally considered more successful at capturing the unsettling nature of the Slender Man than the film.
FAQ 11: What is the Significance of the Facelessness of Slender Man?
The facelessness of the Slender Man is a key element of his horror. It allows viewers to project their own fears and anxieties onto the character, making him a more personalized and terrifying threat. The lack of a face also contributes to his uncanny and inhuman appearance. This ambiguity is a crucial aspect of Slender Man’s enduring appeal and his ability to inspire fear.
FAQ 12: What is the Overall Message or Theme of Slender Man?
The film attempts to explore themes of teenage anxieties, the dangers of internet culture, and the power of belief. However, many critics felt that these themes were underdeveloped and lacked depth. The film’s message is ultimately muddled and unclear. The lack of a cohesive narrative and meaningful thematic exploration is one of the primary criticisms leveled against the film.
In conclusion, while Slender Man offers a relatively brief cinematic experience, its impact extends beyond its 93-minute runtime. The film is a product of, and a contributor to, the enduring legacy of the Slender Man mythos, a story that continues to evolve and resonate with audiences online. Understanding the film’s reception, the controversy surrounding it, and the origins of the Slender Man character provides a richer context for appreciating, or criticizing, this modern horror adaptation.