Julia Max’s feature debut, The Surrender, boldly intertwines family drama with visceral horror, defying conventional advice to minimize emotional subplots. Premiering at SXSW 2025, the film garnered critical acclaim for its intense portrayal of grief and the supernatural.
Bloody Disgusting!
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Bloody Disgusting!
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IMDb
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Starry Constellation Magazine
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Bloody Disgusting!
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Plot Overview
The narrative centers on Megan (Colby Minifie) and her mother Barbara (Kate Burton) as they grapple with the impending death of patriarch Robert (Vaughn Armstrong). While Megan seeks closure, Barbara becomes consumed by the desire to resurrect her husband, enlisting an occultist's help. This leads them into a harrowing ritual that blurs the lines between life and death, forcing both women to confront their strained relationship and the depths of their sorrow.
Rotten Tomatoes
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cinapse.co
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Starry Constellation Magazine
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Bloody Disgusting!
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IMDb
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Starry Constellation Magazine
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Bloody Disgusting!
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Critical Reception
Critics have lauded The Surrender for its unflinching exploration of grief and familial bonds. Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting praised the film as a "visceral, thrilling and high-stakes vision" that authentically captures the complexities of loss. Similarly, Louisa Moore from Screen Zealots highlighted its effective blend of supernatural elements with a deeply personal story about grief and family.
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Rotten Tomatoes
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Rotten Tomatoes
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Rotten Tomatoes
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However, not all reviews were glowing. Joshua Stevens of Loud and Clear Reviews critiqued the film for its "flat script and faulty performances," suggesting that despite its disturbing imagery, it lacks the depth found in other body horror films.
Loud And Clear Reviews
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Rotten Tomatoes
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Release Information
The Surrender was released on May 23, 2025, and is available for streaming on Shudder in North America, the UK/Ireland, and Australia/New Zealand.
Bloody Disgusting!+2
IMDb
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Bloody Disgusting!
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For viewers interested in horror films that delve into the psychological aspects of grief and familial relationships, The Surrender offers a compelling and unsettling experience.
