In the Tall Grass (2019)
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A pregnant woman and her brother become lost in a paranormal grass field after hearing a cry for help.
The story
As they drive past a field of tall grass, the pregnant Becky and her brother Cal hear cries for help from Tobin, a young boy accompanied by his mother Natalie. The two enter the field but get separated and find that their distance changes unnaturally. They decide to leave but cannot find the road. The situation escalates as they encounter others within the grass, and the boundaries of the field begin to warp, making it difficult to determine where they are or how to escape the shifting terrain.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
After entering a field where distance changes unnaturally, Becky and Cal are separated. Becky encounters Ross, while Cal finds Tobin. The narrative reveals a complex web of interactions involving several people trapped or entering the field. It is eventually revealed that the characters are caught in a time loop; Cal is being repeatedly hunted by an insane, possessed Ross. The plot involves a mysterious rock with prophetic marks and a building where the truth of the characters' pasts is revealed. In a final confrontation, Becky dies, and Travis manages to break the loop by guiding Tobin to an exit and warning others to stay out. The film ends with the loop closed, and the survivors remaining outside the grass.
- First release year
- 2019
- Runtime (minutes)
- 101
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Vincenzo Natali
- Writers
- Vincenzo Natali · writer
- Cast and characters
- Harrison Gilbertson · Travis McKean; Laysla De Oliveira · Becky DeMuth; Avery Whitted · Cal DeMuth; Will Buie Jr. · Tobin Humboldt; Rachel Wilson · Natalie Humboldt; Patrick Wilson · Ross Humboldt
- Genres
- supernatural horror; drama
- Themes
- time loops; parental sacrifice
- Tone and mood
- supernatural; horror
- Premise and plot tags
- pregnancy; time loop; folk horror
- Content notes
- pregnancy
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising the performances, atmosphere and faithfulness to the novella, but criticizing its inconsistent tone and dialogue.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 46 · scale: 100 · review count: 13
- Awards and nominations
- Best Streaming Premiere · Fangoria Chainsaw Awards · 2020 · nominated
- Production trivia
- The film was based on a novella by Stephen King and Joe Hill.; The film was originally intended to star James Marsden.; A dilapidated church set was constructed for the film.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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