‘The Activated Man’ VOD Review
Stars: Jamie Costa, Tony Todd, Kane Hodder, Sean Young, Ivana Rojas, Edward Michael Scott, Andrew Keegan, Vladimir Kulich, Sab Shimono, Takayo Fischer, Sonia Jackson | Written and Directed by Nicholas Gyeney
Written and directed by Nicholas Gyeney, The Activated Man is a striking low-budget horror film that blends psychic thriller elements with a deeply emotional core. The film defies easy categorisation, but perhaps the closest comparison is Cronenberg’s Scanners, minus the gore and with a stronger spiritual undertone.
At its centre is a couple reeling from the loss of their beloved dog. For Ors, the grief spirals into near-unbearable despair, but it also awakens a latent psychic ability. His girlfriend Sarah, a police detective, is simultaneously investigating a wave of disturbing murder-suicides, unknowingly connected to Ors’ emerging powers. As Ors begins experiencing visions of a mysterious fedora-wearing shadow figure, he seeks guidance from his neighbour (played with quiet gravitas by Tony Todd), who informs him that he’s opened up latent psychic powers, setting the stage for a tale that explores both metaphysical mystery and intimate human grief.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its characters. The relationship between Ors and Sara feels authentic and lived-in, their chemistry grounding the more supernatural elements in a believable emotional reality. The way grief is portrayed, particularly Ors’ devastation over losing his dog, is handled with sincerity, treating the pet’s death as the genuine, life-shattering loss of a family member. This emotional honesty is what makes the unfolding supernatural events resonate so strongly.
The supporting cast of genre icons, including Tony Todd, Kane Hodder, Sean Young, and Vladimir Kulich, adds further texture, but the heart of the film rests firmly with its leads. Todd’s performance, in particular, stands out for its calm spirituality, presenting a nuanced perspective on faith, open-mindedness, and the metaphysical.
While the film is undeniably low-budget, its limitations rarely undermine its impact. The visual effects are modest but effective, especially in depicting Ors’ spectral encounters, which remain emotionally convincing even without polish. There are, however, moments where the pacing lingers too long, and one key confrontation between Ors and Sara escalates too abruptly, straining credibility. Still, these issues feel minor compared to the film’s strengths.
What The Activated Man achieves, despite its modest resources, is impressive. It delivers a layered mystery, an exploration of shadowy spiritual forces, and an emotionally charged portrait of grief and resilience. More importantly, it proves that compelling writing, strong performances, and genuine emotional resonance can more than overcome budgetary constraints.
For those willing to look past a lo-fi presentation, The Activated Man reveals itself as one of those rare indie gems—intimate, unsettling, and unexpectedly moving.
***½ 3.5/5
The Activated Man is available on digital platforms now from High Fliers.
