The Reading

The Read is a 2023 American supernatural horror film directed by Rob Carter and written by Cameron Vanoy, Michael D. Oliva, and Tony Poulos. The film stars Mo'Nique Hicks, Jon Hudson O'Dowd, and Danielle Campbell. After a traumatic event, many people struggle to cope with their emotions and find ways to heal. For Emma (Mo'Nique Hicks), this healing process came in the form of writing a book. However, Emma's past is marked by a tragic home invasion that left her scarred, and her book serves as a form of catharsis for her. But little does Emma know, her life is about to take a drastic turn for the worse with an eerie and terrifying twist. The story takes a dramatic shift when Emma is visited by a young psychic named Laura (Danielle Campbell) and her team, consisting of her friends and assistants Mike (Jon Hudson O'Dowd) and Alex. Laura is known for her supposed ability to communicate with the dead and predict the future, but many of her claims are shrouded in mystery and skepticism. Despite her reputation, Laura sees something unique in Emma, possibly sensing her past trauma and the lingering presence of something malevolent that haunts her home. As Laura and her team move in for a reading, it becomes clear that they are searching for more than just answers or closure for Emma. With the aid of various equipment and tools of the trade, they are on the lookout for evidence of paranormal activity. But as the night wears on and the psychic readings progress, a dark presence stirs from the depths of Emma's home, unleashing a series of terrifying events that shake the very foundations of her reality. The supernatural events escalate rapidly as Laura's team tries to unravel the mystery behind the malevolent force that has taken up residence in Emma's house. However, the lines between real and supernatural become increasingly blurred, making it difficult for Laura and her team to discern what is genuine and what is just their own paranoia fueled by the eerie atmosphere of Emma's home. As tensions rise, Emma finds herself caught in the middle of the conflict between the living and the dead. Confronted with the harsh reality that the traumatic event that occurred in her home may not have been the end of the nightmare, but just the beginning, Emma must find a way to confront the darkness that threatens to overwhelm her and the people she cares about. The Read is a chilling and suspenseful horror film that delves into themes of trauma, grief, and redemption. Through a complex interplay of the supernatural and the psychological, the film masterfully builds tension, leaving the audience wondering what will happen next. Mo'Nique Hicks brings depth and nuance to her portrayal of Emma, a complex and vulnerable character who is forced to confront the darkest corners of her own psyche. With its blend of eerie atmosphere, supernatural suspense, and deep characters, The Read is a gripping horror film that will appeal to fans of the genre. But more than that, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to face down even the darkest of nightmares and emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side.