Is The Circle Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2020, The Circle represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Horror category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Josh’s beloved Grandpa Joe has passed on. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Josh’s beloved Grandpa Joe has passed on... and they never even got to say goodbye. So, Josh’s wife, Lori plans to do a séance as part of his upcoming surprise birthday party. Despite a stern warning not to hold such a ritual during a birthday celebration, Lori invites Ina, a spiritual medium, to attend the party and conduct the séance. When family and friends gather in the circle to make contact, long held secrets are revealed as Grandpa Joe leads Josh to the discovery of a Masonic ring hidden in the basement. After a series of supernatural disturbances, the circle congregates one last time to attempt to exorcise the malevolent presence and lay it to rest... but can the door, once opened between our reality and the spiritual realm, ever be closed again?"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Michael Morris provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Michael Lansu is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 88 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Circle truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Circle explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Michael Lansu respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Circle is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Michael Morris or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Circle is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.