Here’s What Test Audiences Thought About the New GRUDGE Reboot
Next Summer will see a brand-new remake of the J-horror classic The Grudge, a franchise which was already remade for American audiences in the early 2000s. Grudge is being directed by Nicolas Pesce (The Eyes of My Mother, Piecing) and stars Andrea Riseborough, Betty Gilpin, and John Cho. Principal photography ended in British Columbia earlier this year, and it appears producers recently held a test screening for the new Grudge.
UK YouTuber and film critic Mr. H got the exclusive. Before checking out the video below, I think it’s important to put test screenings into context. Test screenings are an integral component in the filmmaking process, and audience reactions often lead to specific changes before a film is released. That means even if audiences hated it, the film may receive retooling before it goes national; even if test audiences love a film (as was the case with The New Mutants), producers may decide to reschedule a film in order to take things in new directions.
Bottom line: Don’t get too hung up on test audience reactions; never consider them a substitute for an actual film review.
That said, what did test audiences think of the new Grudge movie? If you can’t stream, the main points in Mr. H’s video are listed below.
- This film will take place in the United States.
- It’s not scary and relies on generic jump scares. Comparisons were made to Lights Out.
- The film has three subplots: A family living in a haunted house, detectives on a murder case, and realtors attempting to sell the house.
- The end is abrupt, suggesting producers expect sequels to follow.
- Reasons for key plot points and motivations of important characters are not explained.
Grudge is expected to haunt theaters sometime in 2019; we’ll keep you posted as additional details emerge. Stay tuned!
Are you a fan of The Grudge franchise and/or the American remakes? Are you excited for the reboot, arriving sometime in 2019? Sound off in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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