The Pining

Synopsis

The Pining, directed by Matt Fuentes and released in 2019, is a horror drama that explores the harrowing journey of a grieving mother grappling with loss and supernatural occurrences. The film follows Rose (portrayed by Amy Smart), who retreats to her family cabin in an attempt to heal from her overwhelming grief. As she confronts her inner demons and the haunting presence in the cabin, the narrative delves into themes of isolation, sorrow, and the fragile boundary between reality and the supernatural. With atmospheric tension and psychological depth, The Pining offers a slow-burn experience that blends emotional drama with eerie horror elements.

Cast

• Matt Fuentes

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  Tom Sizemore

  Father William

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  Miguel A. Núñez Jr.

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  Diogo Hausen

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  Nick Ryan

  Officer Down (as Nick Ryan Jurewicz)

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  Jackie Dallas

Reviews

The Pining has elicited mixed responses from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 4.3 out of 10, indicating generally unfavorable reviews from the user base. Critics have praised Amy Smart's performance for its sincerity and emotional weight, highlighting her portrayal as a standout element in an otherwise uneven film. However, many reviews from Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic suggest that the film struggles with pacing and narrative clarity. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated critic score for the film, reflecting limited critical coverage. On Metacritic, while the movie lacks a full score, multiple user reviews mention that although the premise shows promise, the execution falls short in delivering consistent scares or a compelling story arc. Some reviewers commend the atmospheric cinematography and the film's attempt to explore grief through a horror lens, but others find the plot derivative and the suspense lacking. Overall, The Pining is often regarded as a modest indie horror with emotional ambition but mixed success in engaging its audience fully.