The Apology – Shudder Review (4/5)

THE APOLOGY on Shudder is a thriller set during Christmas, so this Holiday Season release is well-timed.  The story is strong, eerily realistic, and very intense. Read our full The Apology movie review here!

THE APOLOGY is a new Shudder thriller that offers quite a few surprises along the way. Sure, you’ll be able to guess a few of the twists along the way. The plot alone does reveal a bit. However, don’t worry, during the runtime of 91 minutes, you’ll be intrigued from beginning to end.

All the events play out during just one night during Christmas, so this Holiday Season release is well-timed.  With a story eerily realistic and featuring a tiny cast delivering strong performances, you’ll want to watch this on Shudder.

Continue reading our The Apology movie review below. Find it on Shudder, AMC+, and in theaters from December 16, 2022.

Anna Gunn and Linus Roache command attention

The two stars of The Apology are Anna Gunn and Linus Roache. Aside from working extremely well on the level of pure chemistry, they also each command attention in different ways.

Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad) plays a woman, who has been mourning the disappearance of her daughter for two decades. She’s also been sober for 19 years, but this Christmas, she comes dangerously close to falling off the wagon.

Linus Roache (Mandy, Vikings) plays her brother-in-law, who hasn’t been around for the past 19 years or so. The two have history in many ways, but he’s there because he has a dark secret he wants to share with her.

And, of course, there’s the whole concept of “The Apology”.

The ending of Shudder movie The Apology

No, this isn’t a spoiler for the ending of The Apology. I just had to mention that I loved The Apology ending because it got so many important details perfect.

The dynamic between the characters played by Anna Gunn and Linus Roache reaches insane levels of intensity. And it just works! Also, you might be annoyed by some things, but this makes the story more realistic. Well, to me, anyway!

Aside from Anna Gunn and Linus Roache, we also have Janeane Garofalo in a very important supporting role. She’s part of both the beginning and the end, so you’ll see her quite a bit. Just not during the middle part.

I’ve always liked Janeane Garofalo, so it was nice seeing her again. Even if she looks a bit different, which I’m not a fan of, she still has that awesome attitude intact!

Watch The Apology on Shudder, AMC+, or in theaters!

Alison Locke is the writer and director of The Apology which has a lot going for it. Prior to making this feature film, she has written and directed one short film (and directed another based on someone else’s script).

Obviously, that means this is the feature film debut of Alison Locke, which deserves to be applauded intensely. Despite the singular setting, small cast, and relatively simple story, it packs one hell of a punch!

For me, the story alone is strong enough that just reading it on paper would evoke a fierce emotional response. However, the performances by Anna Gunn and Linus Roache – who both carry the movie together for the most part – are simply brilliant.

THE APOLOGY will be in theaters and streaming simultaneously on Shudder and AMC+ on December 16, 2022.

Details

Director: Alison Locke
Writer: Alison Locke
Cast: Anna Gunn, Janeane Garofalo, Linus Roache