The Activated Man Review: Grief Is A Monster

A man’s grief over his dog’s death manifests in eerie visions in The Activated Man, which has strong themes and performances but uneven execution.

While the film succeeds in exploring grief as a central theme and features a chilling final performance from Tony Todd, its potential is often overshadowed by weak dialogue, awkward pacing, and underdeveloped subplots.

From its first frame, The Activated Man demands attention. The opening shot, in which red orbs piercing through a black void turn out to be a pair of glowing eyes, sets an ominous tone. Accompanied by Cesar Beitia’s eerie score, this introduction promises a haunting journey. For a time, the film makes good on that promise, particularly in its metaphorical depiction of grief through the Fedora man, a shadowy figure embodying the past we cannot escape.

Jamie Costa delivers a grounded performance as Ors, channeling a raw vulnerability that makes his descent into confusion and fear both believable and moving. Costa’s portrayal keeps the narrative anchored, even as the film itself struggles to find its footing. His chemistry with other characters, including the late Tony Todd as psychic exorcist Jeffrey Bowman, brings depth to the story’s supernatural elements. Todd’s presence, though limited, leaves a powerful impression, marking a bittersweet farewell to the beloved actor.

Despite these strengths, the film falters in execution. Around the 50-minute mark, it feels like the story has reached a natural conclusion, only to push forward in a way that feels disjointed. This creates an uneven pacing that dilutes the tension built earlier. The dialogue doesn’t help matters, often dragging scenes down with excessive exposition and unnatural exchanges that could have benefited from tighter writing.

One of the movie’s biggest missteps lies in the subplot involving Ors’ girlfriend Sarah (Ivana Rojas), who investigates a series of murder-suicides. While initially intriguing, her storyline ultimately feels disconnected from the main narrative, offering little in terms of payoff or thematic relevance. It’s a missed opportunity that adds unnecessary clutter to an already ambitious plot.

The editing also leaves much to be desired, with lingering scenes that overstretch the runtime. This is especially evident as the film repeatedly doubles back to overexplain its themes and twists, underestimating the audience’s ability to grasp its meaning.

However, when the film leans into its emotional core, it shines. As someone who lost a dog to cancer at a young age, I found Ors’ struggle deeply relatable. The Fedora man, representing the grief and guilt we carry, is a poignant addition, reminding viewers that the past can cast long shadows if left unresolved.The Activated Man brims with ideas but lacks the polish to fully realize them. While its exploration of grief and Jamie Costa’s performance make it worth watching, the clunky dialogue, uneven pacing, and extraneous subplots hold it back from greatness. It’s a bold but flawed meditation on loss, leaving an impression that is haunting but ultimately incomplete.

The Activated Man will have its world premiere on December 12, 2024 at the Laemmle Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills. The film will be released in select US theaters and on digital and on demand in the US & Canada on December 13. 

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