Caring for an aging relative is always challenging but imagine if that relative is a charismatic and evangelical racist who claims to possess Holy Spirit powers yet struggles with basic tasks like getting to the bathroom.
The Front Room, the debut feature from twin filmmakers Max and Sam Eggers, centers on Belinda [Brandy] and Norman Irwin [Andrew Burnap], a young married couple grappling with grief over the loss of their first child while anticipating the arrival of their second. When they agree to take in Norman’s estranged and elderly stepmother, Solange [Kathryn Hunter], in exchange for her substantial inheritance, they have no idea what they’re in for. Solange, stubborn, incontinent, and fiercely religious, insists on moving into the room that was meant to be the nursery for Belinda and Norman’s child. From there, things quickly spiral into chaos, as the situation takes a turn for the worse, leading to strange and wild developments.
Beyond its haunting narrative and evocative cinematography, The Front Room is distinguished by two remarkable performances: Brandy Norwood’s return to the horror genre and Kathryn Hunter’s spine-chilling portrayal of a mother unraveling into madness. For many, Brandy is synonymous with 90s pop hits and the beloved sitcom Moesha. However, her career has always been marked by versatility, including memorable forays into acting.
While her role in the 1998 slasher I Still Know What You Did Last Summer showed her potential in horror, it’s her performance in The Front Room that truly solidifies her place in the genre. “The role in itself is a lot of emotions, it takes a lot of range, a lot of depth and I wanted to make sure I could pull something like that off,” Brandy shared. Brandy’s portrayal is hauntingly real, capturing the emotional turmoil of a character torn between duty and the terrifying presence in her home. Her performance is a masterclass in subtlety, as she navigates the thin line between reality and the supernatural with a quiet intensity that leaves a lasting impact.
This return to horror marks a significant moment in Brandy’s career, showcasing her ability to transcend genres and deliver a performance that resonates with audiences on a deeply emotional level. It’s a welcome reminder of her talent, and it positions her as a formidable presence in contemporary horror. While Brandy’s return to the screen is a major highlight, it is Kathryn Hunter’s portrayal of the mother-in-law that will have audiences talking.
Known for her transformative performances in theater and film, Hunter brings a chilling gravitas to The Front Room. Her character is central to the film’s unsettling atmosphere, embodying the terror that slowly seeps into the household. Hunter’s physicality is a crucial element of her performance. With her contorted movements and piercing gaze, she transforms into a figure of dread, embodying the decaying spirit of a woman lost to her mind. The way she manipulates her voice—oscillating between a fragile whisper and a menacing growl—adds another layer of unease, making every scene she’s in an exercise in tension. Not only does Hunter’s performance evoke fear, but it also adds levity to the tense situation. “It’s in the writing, and we had the privilege of having about a week’s rehearsal where we would do all those dinner scenes and after I remember turning to each other and going, this is kind of funny,” Hunter shared, “it’s the unwanted guest, it’s the situation and I think that’s where people will click with it and have fun with it.”
The Front Room is in theaters on September 6.
