Patient Seven Review

Patient Seven: A Haunting Anthology That Falls Short of Its Promise

Horror anthologies have long been a beloved format for fans of the genre, offering a collection of chilling tales that showcase diverse storytelling styles and thematic explorations. Patient Seven, a 2016 horror anthology film, attempts to join the ranks of classics like Trick ‘r Treat and V/H/S, but ultimately falls short of its ambitious promise. Directed by a roster of talented filmmakers, including Danny Draven and Paul Davis, the film weaves together eight stories connected by a framing device involving a psychiatrist evaluating six mysteriously deceased patients. While it boasts impressive practical effects and a few standout segments, Patient Seven is marred by uneven quality, weak interconnectivity, and a lack of thematic cohesion.

The Framing Device: A Missed Opportunity

The film opens with Dr. Paul Victor (Michael Ironside), a psychiatrist tasked with evaluating the bodies of six patients who died under mysterious circumstances. Each patient represents a different horror story, with the seventh patient serving as a twist ending. On paper, this premise is intriguing, offering a meta-narrative that could tie the anthology together. However, the framing device feels underdeveloped and perfunctory. Ironside’s performance is solid, but the scenes between the stories are brief and fail to build tension or provide meaningful context. The final twist, while surprising, feels unearned and disconnected from the rest of the film.

The Segments: Hits and Misses

Patient Seven consists of eight segments, each with its own unique style and tone. Here’s a breakdown of the standout stories and the ones that fall flat:

Technical Aspects: A Mixed Bag

Visually, Patient Seven is a mixed bag. Some segments, like “The Body,” showcase exceptional practical effects that rival those of classic horror films. However, others rely heavily on CGI, which often looks dated and detracts from the immersion. The cinematography varies widely, with some segments featuring atmospheric lighting and creative camera work, while others feel flat and uninspired.

The sound design is a notable strength, with eerie scores and sound effects that enhance the tension in key moments. However, the dialogue in some segments feels stilted, and the pacing is inconsistent, with certain stories dragging on while others feel rushed.

Thematic Ambiguity: A Missed Opportunity

One of the biggest shortcomings of Patient Seven is its lack of thematic cohesion. While anthologies don’t necessarily need a unifying theme, the best ones use their framing device to explore deeper ideas. Patient Seven touches on themes like grief, isolation, and the unknown, but it never delves deep enough to leave a lasting impact. The film feels like a collection of random horror stories rather than a cohesive exploration of fear.

Final Verdict: A Middling Anthology

Patient Seven is not a complete failure, but it’s far from a masterpiece. Horror fans may find moments to enjoy, particularly in segments like “The Body” and “The Taking,” but the overall experience is underwhelming. The film’s ambitious framing device and talented roster of directors hint at what could have been, but the execution falls short. For those seeking a solid horror anthology, Patient Seven is worth a watch for its standout moments, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.

In conclusion, Patient Seven is a middling entry in the horror anthology genre that fails to capitalize on its potential. While it offers a few standout moments, the film is ultimately let down by its uneven quality and lack of thematic depth. For horror enthusiasts, it’s a film worth checking out for its highlights, but it’s unlikely to join the ranks of the genre’s classics.