Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Released 05-03-2024
Watched 05-05-2024
Reviewed 05-07-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
 "It’s an unspoken rule not to use somebody else’s cards."
"Tarot," a 2024 supernatural horror film, ventures into the eerie and mystical world of tarot cards and astrology, a theme ripe with potential for the horror genre. Directed by newcomers Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg and based on the novel "Horrorscope" by Nicholas Adams, the film gathers a promising young cast, including Harriet Slater and Jacob Batalon, to unravel a chilling tale of predestined doom.
The plot follows a group of college friends who encounter a cursed tarot deck during a birthday getaway in the Catskills. As the cards' grim prophecies begin to manifest in terrifying ways, the film effectively builds its premise, engaging the audience with a blend of ancient curses and modern-day skepticism. The incorporation of the tarot cards is visually compelling, and their ominous designs add a rich layer to the film’s aesthetic.
Despite its creative premise and solid performances, "Tarot" stumbles in its execution. The decision to adhere to a PG-13 rating significantly dilutes the potential intensity and fear factor of the movie, leaving much of the horror to be desired. This constraint seems particularly out of place given the film's inherently dark themes, which are not typically suited for a younger audience.
Moreover, the pacing of "Tarot" suffers during a mid-movie road trip, which inadvertently slows the buildup of suspense rather than enhancing it. The comedic elements, though well-intended to provide relief, occasionally feel out of sync with the film's overall tone.
Overall, "Tarot" shows flashes of horror brilliance but doesn't fully deliver the terrifying punch fans might expect. It’s a decent watch for those interested in the supernatural and the mystical, but it might leave hardcore horror aficionados wanting more.