Read Mixed User Reviews for A Cure for Wellness

6

ViolettJul 10, 2017

Promicing beginning, average body, stupid ending. Seriously, compared to such an icon of a movie as Shutter Island this one is not even close. The beginning is really promicing - asylum, old castle, peaceful and beautiful, but you can feelPromicing beginning, average body, stupid ending. Seriously, compared to such an icon of a movie as Shutter Island this one is not even close. The beginning is really promicing - asylum, old castle, peaceful and beautiful, but you can feel the danger somewhere beneath green grass. Then it comes to dull horror movie full of eels everywhere. Not funny, not scary. And the ending is really absurd - he is alive, along with his daughter, what a surprise! Verdict: avoid this, better see Shutter Island again.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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5

BertoflyingfoxJul 12, 2017

While I liked a lot of the creepy scenes, this movie spends way too much time doing nothing. It could've been told in 90 minutes and kept all the major themes/plotting intact.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

GerardistheWayFeb 17, 2017

Gore Verbinski's new psychological thriller is a puzzling movie. On the one hand, there's nothing bad enough in it to prevent me from recommending it, but on the other I still feel that I cannot whole-heartedly. It has promise, but when yourGore Verbinski's new psychological thriller is a puzzling movie. On the one hand, there's nothing bad enough in it to prevent me from recommending it, but on the other I still feel that I cannot whole-heartedly. It has promise, but when your film starts to feel like a bunch of cool shots and beautiful scenery strung together by a tenuous plot line, you risk audiences beginning to seek out A Cure for Boredom.

From the very first moments, when the film opens with shots of downtown New York buildings bathed in the kind of grimy green light that the worlds of these horror movies are always smothered in (*cough cough* "Saw"... *cough cough*) accompanied by an eerie female vocalization (which returns several times in the story with no explanation of its significance), this movie is trying to show you just how creepy it (thinks) it is. And don't get me wrong, it has its moments (I guarantee that you'll never look at an eel the same way again after seeing this), but these have a tendency to come few and far between while the story runs around and around in circles. By the time that Lockhart (Dane DeHaan) begins to see the dark truth behind this seemingly miraculous "wellness center", the original plot line of him being sent to retrieve the CEO of his financial company (Harry Groener) and bring him back home has been more or less forgotten. This movie's got things on its mind, you can be sure, but it can't seem to decide what it wants to focus on, and so its visual style and interesting premise become lost in a muddy, mired plot that features the unfortunate combination of being overlong in trying to be epic as well as repetitive and preachy in trying to be thoughtful and intelligent. I would be lying if I said I wasn't somewhat expecting this from a re-teaming of Verbinski and "The Lone Ranger" screenwriter Justin Haythe.

Perhaps the greatest strengths this film possesses are its visuals, direction, and performances. DeHaan, with his turn as Lockhart, crafts a hero not completely likable (his obsession with survival of the fittest and his obvious dislike of visiting his mother don't exactly make him endearing, which helps us somewhat enjoying, or at least thinking he deserves, the suffering brought upon him) but that navigates the frightening absurdity of his situation with much of the same rage, fear, and disbelief that most of us would. Jason Isaacs, as the German-sounding director of the treatment center, is likely to remind you of a Nazi officer in both his physical appearance and his mannerisms. On the surface he is friendly, seemingly helpful, charming, and by all appearances is intensely concerned not only for his patients but for Lockhart as well. However, he is truthfully a manipulative individual, one who loves playing mind games and constantly seems a step ahead of Lockhart (until the finale because, you know, it'd be no fun if the villain ended up winning for once). Think Annie Wilkes crossed with Ralph Fiennes' Amon Göth character from "Schindler's List" and you'd have the idea. Mr. Isaacs is easily the best thing about this movie: he plays his character with such skill that even after we're fairly certain he's evil we begin doubting ourselves yet again. Mia Goth, a relative newcomer, is also skilled as Hannah, a mysterious patient at the facility who is closer to Lockhart's age than most (the others are all octogenarians), and whose relationship with Isaacs' Dr. Vomler character forms the true conflict of the movie. There is something endearing about her performance: she is strange, to be sure, but there is a certain seductiveness about her that she exudes without even really trying to (you all may remember the bathtub scene from the trailers), all while dressed in clothes so old they look like they could have been around about 400 years ago. By the way, did I mention the tragedy that occurred there around that time involving a baron trying to keep his bloodline pure by using the same practice the Ancient Egyptians did?

The cinematography is likewise just as skilled. Bojan Bazelli does his best to distract us from how limp and sickly the "story" (BWAH HA HA! ...Was that out loud?) of this film really is with beautiful shots of the Swiss Alps, of the facility and with gloomier shots of corporate buildings and the modern world as we know it. The scenes featuring nature and fauna are the ones where sunlight pours in and the light is soft and gentle and puts us at ease. The insides of the facility look like they haven't seen a bit of change since the 1950s and looks a bit like a period piece with some steampunk sensibility. All of this is well and good, but without a decent story to back it up all of the style present is simply for naught.

Gore Verbinski is not a bad director. He just, for some reason, continues to work with bad screenwriters. Perhaps another collaboration between him and John Logan is due. The first one, "Rango", won a Best Animated Feature Oscar, if you recall. 6/10… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

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6

deckJun 8, 2017

The film an art modern fairy tale. The stress curve is renewed several times and does not permit an early conclusion. One feels a bioshock, Shutter Island, Millenium (2009) or even a Krabat remembers. There are sometimes very violent scenes,The film an art modern fairy tale. The stress curve is renewed several times and does not permit an early conclusion. One feels a bioshock, Shutter Island, Millenium (2009) or even a Krabat remembers. There are sometimes very violent scenes, in whose place I would rather have put the past of the history into the foreground. Sights in spite of the length.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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5

CineAutoctonoFeb 21, 2017

"A Cure for Wellness" was an intriguing, disturbing, somewhat slow but interesting film, the cinematography was very good, the scenery not so good, the story is good, although somewhat boring, and the actors' performances were good, Gore"A Cure for Wellness" was an intriguing, disturbing, somewhat slow but interesting film, the cinematography was very good, the scenery not so good, the story is good, although somewhat boring, and the actors' performances were good, Gore Verbinski returns to the suspense ring lightly but I enjoyed the movie.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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6

RelaxedmikeJul 5, 2017

Frankenstein with a different twist. Starts out well and then.....Okokok..could have been much better with the plot. Still, it holds ones interest to a degree. You actually buy into the idea this initial plot is going somewhere big. And thenFrankenstein with a different twist. Starts out well and then.....Okokok..could have been much better with the plot. Still, it holds ones interest to a degree. You actually buy into the idea this initial plot is going somewhere big. And then you are let down. Not to bad. I give it 6 and a half stars.… Expand

3 of 16 users found this helpful313

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5

Rebecca31Feb 25, 2017

A mysterious spa or “wellness centre” set in a remote part of the Swiss Alps. Much like Shutter Island you’re left wondering what’s real and what’s not. Just a shame it’s not as good as Shutter Island. So what are you watching really? Is it aA mysterious spa or “wellness centre” set in a remote part of the Swiss Alps. Much like Shutter Island you’re left wondering what’s real and what’s not. Just a shame it’s not as good as Shutter Island. So what are you watching really? Is it a dream? Is it a hallucination? No it’s just a mediocre film that really thinks it’s smarter than it is. As the story unfolds you’re left with nothing shocking or surprising and not only that but you’ll have it figured out soon enough. What is does have is enough disturbingly grotesque scenes to make you squirm in your seat and I can safely say I cannot look at eels or dentists the same again. You’ll spend a good portion of the film internally yelling at Dane DeHaan, no don’t do that, don’t drink that, no stop okay never mind. Jason Isaacs is definitely the stand out performance, although a little over the top in one particular instance he’s still the best thing in this. I was really with this film up until a certain point. Overall it’s an unfocused movie that is simply too long, gradually getting more and more ridiculous. Descending into a horribly messy ending that you eventually become disinterested in. Recommended if you’ve seen all the Oscar movies and looking for something a little off beat.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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5

DarlomanFeb 25, 2017

A psychological horror with no real sense of terror rather a nagging creepiness that started off interesting but the way overlong running time became turned that creepiness to dullness. This film is about 40 minutes too long and the "twist"A psychological horror with no real sense of terror rather a nagging creepiness that started off interesting but the way overlong running time became turned that creepiness to dullness. This film is about 40 minutes too long and the "twist" at the end is signposted so obviously that the ending doesn't make it worthwhile slogging through it. Mia Goth puts in a good performance which, for me, just about saves the film.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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6

chidimeMay 28, 2017

Could have been a great movie, but so many things (little and otherwise) spoiled it. After watching this movie, I'm left questioning how a skinny young man can tear apart a toilet from the pipes and screws holding it down with his bare hands.Could have been a great movie, but so many things (little and otherwise) spoiled it. After watching this movie, I'm left questioning how a skinny young man can tear apart a toilet from the pipes and screws holding it down with his bare hands. We fail to see just how he escaped the institution after having his tooth drilled out; we just see him hop into a car. We fail to see how he managed to get into Volmer's office towards the end. The end was a bit ridiculous. The movie got really confusing towards the end with opposing plotlines. 6/10.… Expand

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

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6

BrianMcCriticJun 7, 2017

A very strange film that has some commendable moments. I can't say this film hooked me all the way through as it does have times where it drags. At 2 hrs. and 20 min. the film could have been cut down some which would have led to a tighterA very strange film that has some commendable moments. I can't say this film hooked me all the way through as it does have times where it drags. At 2 hrs. and 20 min. the film could have been cut down some which would have led to a tighter story. I give the film points for originality and for keeping me thinking. In the end the film got to me enough to give a mild recommendation for it. Low B… Expand

2 of 25 users found this helpful223

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4

TVJerryFeb 22, 2017

This mish-mash mess of a story takes a young New York exec (Dane DeHaan) to a wellness center in the Alps (a stunning location). He immediately senses something's not right and spends the rest of this almost 2 1/2 hour movie sneaking aroundThis mish-mash mess of a story takes a young New York exec (Dane DeHaan) to a wellness center in the Alps (a stunning location). He immediately senses something's not right and spends the rest of this almost 2 1/2 hour movie sneaking around the property trying to uncover the truth behind the mysterious experiments. Inexplicably, he seems to have access to the property's most secretive recesses. There's lots of creepy settings and ominous music, but no suspense. The plot, which is riddled with holes, borrows elements from dozens of previous films, including hints of "Frankenstein" and "Phantom of the Opera." It's sometimes visually interesting and even occasionally unnerving, but not nearly enuff to support the tedium of the pace. The finale doesn't live up to the promise of a shocking revelation.… Expand

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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6

LeZeeSep 3, 2017

The mysteries behind a misty mountain fortress!

Seems the films of this director won't survive without Johnny Depp in the lead. Just one good film would change that conception. Is this the one! No, but was very close. After seeing the film IThe mysteries behind a misty mountain fortress!

Seems the films of this director won't survive without Johnny Depp in the lead. Just one good film would change that conception. Is this the one! No, but was very close. After seeing the film I thought it could be based on the novel, but isn't. The writers must be good to create such atmosphere, outside the novel. I was very impressed with the film, though the screenplay lagged the pace. And a few things need to be explained where the narration failed to do so, keeping in mind the average intelligent people. Other than that it is a decent mystery-drama associated with fantasy and sci-fi. Due to a financial crisis in the firm, a young New Yorker goes to the Swiss Alps looking for his boss. At first he struggles to make a contact with him as the staffers are not friendly. After an unexpected incident, he has to stay a bit longer. In those periods, he comes to realise there's something wrong with the place, hence decides to uncover. Does he really do it! His struggles in the attempt and everything else were told in the remaining part.

Somewhat it reminded me 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer'. Not until you finish watching it or figure it out the puzzle. Then the BG score was too cliché for such concept, but nothing can be replaced it. The film had a good opening. Even the mid part. But dragged in the latter section. The overall length of the film was another drawback for the narration.

There were no empty scenes, everything's were filled with something, but the end twist was not as phenomenal as promised in the earlier developments. Especially if you had seen a handful of similar masterpieces. It was kind of an old concept, like the pre 80s or something. Yet acceptable at present for being rare. Thus, it depends how well it was made. An above average film, but for those who haven't seen many films in their lives, this will be a great one.

6/10… Expand

0 of 9 users found this helpful09

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5

muldjordJul 16, 2021

Excruciatingly slowmoving. It feels like the movements of everything is in slow motion. Character movements, camera movements, the music. Everything.

They could easily have cut off 30 minutes of running time - that would have made it better.Excruciatingly slowmoving. It feels like the movements of everything is in slow motion. Character movements, camera movements, the music. Everything.

They could easily have cut off 30 minutes of running time - that would have made it better. Not that the slow pace is the only problem with the movie though. It is also increasingly confusing as it crawls through the plot. Not until the very end does it start letting go of its secrets. And to be honest they are not that interesting.

It felt like a waste of time when it ended.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

MattBrady99Mar 3, 2022

"Actually... I'm feeling much better now!"

A beautiful looking movie with two great performances from Jason Isaacs and Mia Goth. However, and I hate to say this, but Dane DeHaan was the weakest part of the movie.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

Jess_HillMar 23, 2017

Verbinski is a master of gothic horror, and this is a genre close to my heart, yet this offering is a beautifully polished but utterly predictable film with no surprises. The cinematography is stunning, and there are moments of exquisiteVerbinski is a master of gothic horror, and this is a genre close to my heart, yet this offering is a beautifully polished but utterly predictable film with no surprises. The cinematography is stunning, and there are moments of exquisite tension and horrifying monstrosity, though some went far into gratuitous territory. The storyline begins with intrigue, but unfolds without the intricacies I was expecting, resulting in an ultimately unsatisfying experience. The performances are accomplished, and the set design is superb, but don't expect the intellectual thrill the trailer would have you believe. 6.98/10… Expand

0 of 21 users found this helpful021

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5

abm0Jan 6, 2018

As others have said, the first half promises a lot and is beautifully shot, but then the slow-exploration horror cliche scenes start getting overused and time keeps passing with no real payoff on the established expectations, just an everAs others have said, the first half promises a lot and is beautifully shot, but then the slow-exploration horror cliche scenes start getting overused and time keeps passing with no real payoff on the established expectations, just an ever more obvious piece by piece reveal of some ancient story we're supposed to be horrified about, and the ending - as you can already predict half an hour before it comes - offers nowhere near proper closure. And the most interesting aspect of it - the anti-finance/investment-culture comments sprinkled throughout end up not serving any higher purpose, not closing any logical loop of what was going on, they're just there for decoration. A waste of time.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

sjwilkinJul 17, 2017

As most have probably said, it does start out well and promising. Lots of mystery, suspicious characters left questioning what you really have seen. However as it keeps running it practically turns into a Frankenstein/Disney cliche.As most have probably said, it does start out well and promising. Lots of mystery, suspicious characters left questioning what you really have seen. However as it keeps running it practically turns into a Frankenstein/Disney cliche. Disappointing. Very well shot however and some decent cgi scenery.… Expand

0 of 7 users found this helpful07

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6

KaptenVideoMar 21, 2017

One of those more ambitious horror movies. Young executive (Dane DeHaan) is sent to retrieve his company's CEO from an idyllic wellness center at a remote location in the Swiss Alps, but soon suspects that something fishy is going on.

„AOne of those more ambitious horror movies. Young executive (Dane DeHaan) is sent to retrieve his company's CEO from an idyllic wellness center at a remote location in the Swiss Alps, but soon suspects that something fishy is going on.

„A Cure for Wellness“ is a curious beast. There’s a lot to like about the movie and it wants to try something fresh. But ultimately it’s too long and asks more from the viewer than is ready to give back, so approach with caution. Firstly, you will probably like how everything looks. Gore Verbinski’s directorial skill of making movie look good are widely known („Pirates of the Caribbean“ 1-3, „Rango“, „The Lone Ranger“) but this time he also wants to go artsy.

The movie is so stylish and carefully composed that many individual frames look like a painting, or some work of art. Verbinski knows how to make everything on screen matter, so often some little thing becomes interesting just because how it is captured or approached. This approach also helps to add some light humor – Verbinski is no Wes Anderson, of course, but it’s effective. All in all, the makers have put a lot of effort in world building and it really becomes an interesting place of its own. Just discovering different places alongside the main character becomes a constant source of amusement.

The story is also intriguing. For a long while I just followed it without really being able to predict what’s gonna happen – always a good thing for mainstream movie. Especially for one which develops its own style but also offers lots of nods to other (horror) stories, movies or directors. Maybe it's just me but I perceived echoes of Dracula, Frankenstein, Cthulhu, King, Poe; from the movies Martin Scorsese’s „Shutter Island“, Wes Anderson, Tim Burton, "Saw". But it’s not just mindless copying but tasteful and entertaining in its own right.

The problem is… for all the wealth of material and lovingly created world, the story and characters are disappointingly shallow.

At 144 minutes it is just too long, the story gets stretched too thin, especially the final act. It even dares to turn silly, which differs from the previous tone and sadly manages to lose the interest of many.

I still like Verbinski’s early-2000’s works „The Mexican“ and „The Weather Man“ better but I was much more emotionally invested watching „A Cure for Wellness“ than the „Pirates of the Caribbean“ trilogy, „Rango“ or „The Lone Ranger“.

So, I liked most of it, and endured the rest of it. If you like horror and fantasy, you should do the same. Probably. Who am I to say?… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

MahmusSep 25, 2020

A solid psychological horror thriller elevated by its creepy imagery and a strong performance by Dane Dehaan.

There's some really hard to watch stuff in here. Everything from dental torture to eel swallowing. I won't lie, the latter oneA solid psychological horror thriller elevated by its creepy imagery and a strong performance by Dane Dehaan.

There's some really hard to watch stuff in here. Everything from dental torture to eel swallowing.
I won't lie, the latter one almost made be barf.

The biggest problem is that the third act is extremely silly. Like, way too silly. I can easily see it ruining the whole movie for some, but for me it was just a dent in an overall very enjoyable experience.

Also, it's a really good spiritual successor to Shutter Island (Dane DeHaan as we all know, even looks like a young Leonardo DiCaprio).… Expand

0 of 31 users found this helpful031

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6

DMLYxCriticFeb 12, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of those films that you really wanted to like at the beginning and the middle, but felt quite short at the end. A Cure for Wellness has had great moments, especially the cinematography and the production design, but falls way off short. I actually liked the first and the second act, and the buildup was good (not that great and quite predictable). But when the third act came in, the two acts did not make sense anymore, as clues from the previous acts are left unchecked during the last revelation, and the ending scene did not really help. Overall, this film just fell short of being a good one, if only the final act could have delivered.… Expand

0 of 8 users found this helpful08

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4

HeywoodyMar 17, 2023

So many users juicing the score with false or bot reviews. This movie was very very mediocre. It started strong, then just got repetitive and finally completely overwrought and somewhat silly. Even if you enjoyed this overlong, thin plot, noSo many users juicing the score with false or bot reviews. This movie was very very mediocre. It started strong, then just got repetitive and finally completely overwrought and somewhat silly. Even if you enjoyed this overlong, thin plot, no way it is 10 outta 10. That's just users juicing the score for some weird culture war the right wing is always pushing on metacritic. Trying so hard to stick it to "the critics" and "elites" lololol Desperate and sad. 4/10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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