Film Review - The Man in My Basement (2025)

      The Man in My Basement, 2025.

      Directed by Nadia Latif.

      Featuring Corey Hawkins, Willem Dafoe, Anna Diop, Jonathan Ajayi, Gershwyn Eustache Jnr, Tamara Lawrence, Pamela Nomvete, and Brian Bovell.

      SYNOPSIS

      When a mysterious man (Willem Dafoe) approaches Charles Blakey (Corey Hawkins) with an offer to rent his basement for a substantial amount of money, Blakey becomes entangled in a disturbing reality tied to his family's concealed past in Nadia Latif’s adaptation of Walter Mosley’s novel. The unexpected arrival of Willem Dafoe at your doorstep, requesting to lease your basement for a significant sum, signals a uniquely weird and existential experience ahead. The Man in My Basement, directed by Nadia Latif, showcases compelling and eerie performances from Corey Hawkins and Dafoe, presenting a psychological drama that flirts with elements of supernatural horror, although it occasionally struggles to define its cinematic identity. Nonetheless, the film remains engaging primarily due to the performances of Hawkins and Dafoe.

      The dynamic between Hawkins and Dafoe drives the narrative, as their exchanges regarding Dafoe’s enigmatic character, Anniston Bennett, and his strange demands on Hawkins’ Charles Blakey become increasingly bizarre, challenging both characters' sanity. The film maintains a haunting tone as the intricate co-dependency between the two men evolves into profound discussions about morality. Dafoe steals the spotlight with his fervent monologues about his tumultuous history and beliefs, while Hawkins matches his intensity, particularly in the latter portion when Blakey becomes more confrontational and frustrated with Bennett’s intrusion. The compelling verbal duels between them are further enhanced by Latif's choice to shoot the film in chronological order.

      In addition to Dafoe, Hawkins develops a strong connection with the rest of the cast, particularly Anna Diop as the local historian Narciss, reuniting after their time on the short-lived 24 spin-off, 24: Legacy. Their budding relationship is characterized by a mix of sweetness and frustration as Blakey’s worldview starkly contrasts with that of Narciss, creating significant tension in their personal and professional interactions. Diop delivers a nuanced performance, embodying both attraction and confusion towards Blakey, while the supporting cast, especially Jonathan Ajayi and Tamara Lawrence in their roles as Blakey’s friends, also contribute effectively.

      However, The Man in My Basement somewhat stumbles in integrating the two main storylines: the power struggle between Blakey and Bennett and Blakey’s exploration of his family's heirlooms and history. As tension mounts, Charles grapples with the nature of reality, compounded by Bennett’s influence exacerbating his life’s traumas. While an atmosphere of eeriness persists, the supernatural elements do not seamlessly blend with Charles’ interactions with Bennett. Although both narratives are crucial for Charles’ growth and self-exploration, they often overshadow each other, leading to an inconsistent feeling throughout the movie. On a positive note, Latif keeps the supernatural aspects somewhat ambiguous for the audience, although this choice detracts from the more captivating elements of the plot and where it might lead.

      The Man in My Basement showcases outstanding performances from Hawkins and Dafoe, featuring sharp and engaging dialogue, particularly towards the film’s conclusion. Diop also delivers a noteworthy and multi-layered portrayal as Narciss, yet there seems to be untapped potential in her character. Despite some imbalances between the intertwining narratives, the film remains a thought-provoking exploration of history, race, and morality, anchored by its compelling lead actors.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★/ Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Ricky Church – Follow me on Bluesky for more movie news and discussions.