Based on the best selling novel that welcomed the birth of Stephen King’s son, Joe Hill, ‘Horns’ is not your standard horror film. When Ig Perish (Daniel Radcliffe) awakes to find out his girlfriend Merrin (Juno Temple) has been brutally murdered, all evidence appears to point in his direction but when a lab explosion leaves no evidence, he is released uncharged but under key supervision and guilty in the eyes of everyone in the town.

 

With the assistance of childhood friend Lee (Max Minghella) he takes it upon himself to find out who did murder her but there is one thing he has that may make his investigation a little easier, overnight not only has he sprouted horns from his head, but those around him open up with their inner truths, some expectant, others absurd but there’s a new Ig in town and he’s taking no hostages.

 

‘Horns’ is a monster with heart, but for those expecting Daniel Radcliffe to give his innocent charm will be far fetched with this. The chain smoking hero in this has been pushed to the edge by those closest to him, vengeance becomes a dish served from the depths of Hell. A theme that comes across in the later part of the film which holds out as a teen comedy for its introduction but behind its macho facade, there is something tragic about ‘Horns’, something intentional and heartfelt.

 

Radcliffe’s performance takes a toll and from hapless romantic to hardened badass, the transformation is believable to watch which is something powerful for an actor who is still to shrug off his career as a certain iconic wizard. His form in horror is certainly one that Radcliffe fits so well, especially from ‘The Woman in Black’ and now ‘Horns’, but it’s not only the lead star who carries horns with both Joe Anderson and Minghella giving star turns as Igs brother and friend making the events of ‘Horns’ ever more tragically conclusive. Rest assured, there’s no sequel in store anytime soon.

 

This may be free from any scary chills but a mysterious underlining sense of horror not of beasts, but of humanity seeing the appearance of a monster absorbed by that of revenge. Laced with humour throughout, ‘Horns’ plays havoc with emotions taking you on a rollercoaster ride through a tragic journey of a wronged man.

 

With part of the film told in flashback and a sense of ‘Stand Be Me’ with added Devil, it all adds to the charm of a simple story with twists and turns. Alexandre Aja hasn’t lost his love of blood and guts either but a softer side allows him to tell a story smothered in heart and terrific performances. All topped with a blistering soundtrack and a penchant for heartfelt storytelling make ‘Horns’ the alternative date movie for Halloween.