The Guardian

Synopsis

"The Guardian" (1990) is a supernatural horror film centered around a daring couple, played by Jenny Seagrove and Dwier Brown, who come into possession of a mysterious tree that protects their newborn child. However, the seemingly benevolent entity soon reveals a sinister side as it demands a horrifying price for its guardianship. The film merges elements of folklore and contemporary family drama, exploring themes of sacrifice, parental love, and the unknown lurking within nature. With eerie atmospheres and suspenseful sequences, "The Guardian" attempts to delve into the primal fears associated with motherhood and protection, setting a chilling tone throughout the narrative.

Cast

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  Jenny Seagrove

  Camilla

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  Dwier Brown

  Phil Sterling

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  Carey Lowell

  Kate Sterling

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  Brad Hall

  Ned Runcie

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  Miguel Ferrer

  Ralph Hess

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  Natalija Nogulich

  Molly Sheridan

Reviews

Critically, "The Guardian" received mixed to generally unfavorable reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a low score of 25%, reflecting largely negative critic consensus that found the film's scares underwhelming and the story convoluted. Metacritic's rating of 35 out of 100 also suggests that critics found the movie lacking in both screenplay and originality. IMDb users have given it an average rating of 5.4/10, indicating a mix of lukewarm reactions. Some reviewers praised Jenny Seagrove's committed performance and atmospheric cinematography, noting that these elements added some suspense and mood. However, many critics pointed out the film's reliance on clichéd horror tropes and a sluggish pace that detracted from its potential impact. For example, a review from a genre-specific critic highlighted the "atmospheric visuals" but lamented the "lack of coherent storytelling and scares." Overall, while "The Guardian" intrigues with its folklore premise, it struggles to deliver a consistently engaging horror experience.

See also

Outbreak

Darkman

Mimic

The Dry