Critic Reviews
65
Metascore
Generally Favorable
positive
11(69%)
mixed
5(31%)
negative
0(0%)
Showing 16 Critic Reviews
Apr 20, 2017
90
Bold and brutal in shocking spurts, the indie horror drama from writer-director O’Shea is a startling debut that leaves a fresh mark on the genre while celebrating its forbears.
Aug 16, 2017
83
Where O’Shea succeeds and Hollywood often fails is acknowledging the pain and sorrow so many feel can’t magically disappear. To be cognizant of your own evil is to accept its cost. Realizing you are the monster might be the worst punishment you could ever endure.
Apr 18, 2017
80
More "Moonlight" than "Twilight," The Transfiguration is a defining vampire film of the mid-2010s. An acutely observed study of social/emotional deprivation, but also a gripping, disturbing horror movie. And, yes, it’s ‘realistic’.
Apr 20, 2017
75
O’Shea follows his twisted premise to its inexorable conclusion, so his film is ultimately more unnerving than sad.
Mar 13, 2017
70
A concrete horror flick that burns with consequence, ignited by strong characters who are far more tested in their experiences than anyone of similar age. Bloody, emotional and visualized with a damning spirit – what an outspoken genre manipulation for first-timer Michael O’Shea.
Mar 13, 2017
70
While death by bloodsucking is very much a factor, this is actually a subdued, contemplative drama about the lingering trauma of grief and the efforts of an introspective teenager to invent an invulnerable persona to shield and ultimately release him.
Mar 13, 2017
70
Native New Yorker Michael O’Shea makes an impressively confident directorial debut with The Transfiguration, a vampire movie that looks, feels, walks and talks like a gritty US indie flick.
Apr 6, 2017
70
The Transfiguration gradually reveals itself to be a coming-of-age tale, one whose central figure reaches a point at which he’s forced to reckon with the evil lurking within himself.
Apr 6, 2017
70
Mr. Ruffin must carry the film, projecting interior activity and suggesting information where the script (by Mr. O’Shea) does not. That he imbues the film with a weight greater than its words is a testament to his skill as an actor.
Mar 15, 2017
67
The problem is that, for all of its cinematic merits, there’s something strange about this particular vampiric parable.
