Quasi sequel-reboot is frivolous fun, but rehashes the original film.
Five medical students, obsessed by what lies beyond the confines of life, embark on a daring experiment: by stopping their hearts for short periods, each triggers a near-death experience - giving them a firsthand account of the afterlife.
The only returning character is Kiefer Sutherland, who appears briefly to tie the two films together. However, the film uses the same concepts with slight twists. The horror aspects hit home a lot stronger than the 1990 film and the visual imagery and sound design are strong. Performances are mixed, Ellen Page and Diego Luna shine, while Nina Dobrev seems more 2D. James Norton and Kiersey Clemons are good, but their characters aren’t expanded upon well.
Overall it is fun, with some good jump scares, but it could’ve been better.
3 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Sony Pictures