The horror thriller Case 39 has been sitting in the archives since its completion in 2007, but after gathering dust in the past two years it is finally headed to the cinemas across the world. Paramount pictures welcomes Hollywood star Rene Zelwegger back to the genre which she was so at home in, with her starring role in the film.
The film is rated R for its horrific graphic scenes, disturbing images, and terror based violence. Unlike most typical horror films of the last millennium, Case 39 actually has an intriguing plot. The film begins introducing social worker Emily Jenkins (Zellweger), who thinks she has seen it all until she meets her newest, most mysterious case -- a troubled 10-year old named Lilith Sullivan (Jodelle Ferland).
Emily’s worst fears are confirmed when the parents try to kill Lilith, who bizarrely is their only daughter. Emily saves her, taking her into her foster care, only to find out the girl isn’t nearly as innocent as she first thought.
There are a number of shocks and sudden bursts of sound that will make you startle in your seat while watching, and there are a few gruesome scenes to boot as well. The reasons to Paramount’s archiving Case 39 are still unknown, but if it has anything to do with fears of lack of quality, then they are probably unjustified. The film is a decent viewing spectacle and does nothing to damage the horror/thriller genre.
