The Prodigy is a 2019 psychological horror film directed by Nicholas McCarthy and written by Jeff Buhler. The film stars Taylor Schilling, Jackson Robert Scott, and Colm Feore. The story revolves around a young boy, Miles, whose disturbing behavior begins to raise questions about his true nature. As his mother, Sarah, delves deeper into the mystery of her son’s actions, she uncovers a dark, supernatural force that may be controlling him. The Prodigy combines elements of psychological terror and supernatural horror, creating an intense and unsettling atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge.

The story centers on Sarah (Taylor Schilling), a mother who begins to notice increasingly strange and violent behavior in her young son, Miles (Jackson Robert Scott). Initially, Sarah believes that Miles is simply going through a difficult phase, but the disturbing incidents escalate. As Sarah tries to understand what is happening, she discovers that Miles may be the vessel for the spirit of a deceased murderer. This revelation leads Sarah to confront the terrifying possibility that her son may not be the innocent child she once thought he was. The film explores Sarah’s struggle to protect her son while facing the frightening truth of his otherworldly possession.

One of the key themes explored in The Prodigy is the concept of nature versus nurture. As Sarah tries to understand why her son is behaving so violently, she grapples with whether these actions are a result of his upbringing or whether something darker and more sinister is at play. The film raises questions about whether we are shaped by our environment or if something more inexplicable, such as a supernatural force, can determine our behavior. This theme becomes central to Sarah’s emotional and psychological journey, as she must confront the possibility that her son’s actions are beyond her control.

The performances in The Prodigy are integral to the film’s success in building tension and fear. Taylor Schilling delivers a strong performance as Sarah, capturing a mother’s desperation and determination to protect her son, even as she faces unimaginable horrors. Jackson Robert Scott, known for his role in It (2017), portrays Miles with a chilling mix of innocence and malice, making his character both heartbreaking and terrifying. Colm Feore, playing Dr. Powell, the expert who helps Sarah understand the strange phenomenon, adds depth to the film with his calm yet eerie presence. The dynamic between Sarah and Miles, as well as the growing sense of unease between them, is one of the film’s most compelling aspects.

Nicholas McCarthy’s direction in The Prodigy creates a suffocating atmosphere of dread. The film uses tight camera angles and dimly lit settings to heighten the sense of unease, with moments of silence amplifying the tension. McCarthy uses a mix of psychological horror and supernatural elements, making the viewer question whether the events are a result of Miles’ disturbing actions or the influence of something more sinister. The pacing of the film is deliberate, gradually building the tension as Sarah uncovers more about her son’s frightening transformation. This style ensures that the audience remains on edge throughout the film, creating a sense of looming danger.

Upon its release, The Prodigy received mixed reviews from critics but was generally praised for its ability to build suspense and its strong performances, particularly from Schilling and Scott. While some critics felt that the film leaned too heavily on familiar horror tropes, others appreciated the psychological depth and the unsettling atmosphere that McCarthy created. The film also stands out for its exploration of the “evil child” trope, offering a fresh take on a familiar horror theme. Although it may not have received universal acclaim, The Prodigy still left a lasting impact on its audience, with many finding its premise and performances to be both disturbing and intriguing.

The Prodigy is a gripping and disturbing psychological horror film that effectively blends supernatural horror with psychological drama. The film explores complex themes of maternal love, guilt, and the struggle to understand the darker side of human nature. With strong performances from Taylor Schilling and Jackson Robert Scott, Nicholas McCarthy creates an atmosphere of tension that builds throughout the story. While it may not reinvent the horror genre, The Prodigy is a chilling exploration of the lengths a mother will go to protect her child from a malevolent force, and it keeps audiences captivated until the very end.