Synopsis
SiREN is an American horror film released in 2016, directed by Gregg Bishop and co-written by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski. It is a full-length adaptation of the short film “Amateur Night” from the 2012 anthology V/H/S. The short film was considered cult classic due to its disturbing fusion of found footage horror and the presence of an unusual creature. In SiREN, the legend surrounding the creature, Lily (the siren), is further elaborated, intertwining supernatural horror with dark fantasy and psychological elements.
Jonah (Chase Williamson) is a soon-to-be married young man and the character at the heart of the narrative. As a final send-off before he ties the knot, his brother Mac along with two friends, Rand and Eliot, plan a bachelor’s party. Jonah’s character is portrayed as rather humble and caring, clearly out of place in the wild party stereotype. Although he is initially hesitant, he decides to go along with the plan to mark the milestone and spend quality time with his close friends.
The group goes to an isolated area where they meet a man named Mr. Nyx (Justin Welborn), who operates an undercover elite club which has obscene and perverted activities. Rather than a strip club or bar, Mr. Nyx’s place of business is otherworldly—walking the line between show business and witchcraft. Each room gives tangentially more twisted displays for paying customers to indulge in fantasies and taboo desires.
While in club, Jonah becomes fascinated by a strange woman called Lily (Hannah Fierman) who is an unearthly quiet woman kept in one of the rooms. Unlike other performers, Lily does not put on any performances. Instead, she is passive, sedated, and profitably abused for her ancillary skills. Jonah, smitten by her delicate demeanor, rescues her without realizing that she is not a person, but a legendary being—a siren who can lure and ruin men with her tunes and primal instincts.
Once she’s freed, Lily becomes obsessed with Jonah, thinking he has picked her. As she stalks him and eliminates anyone who tries to help him and his friends, they are bound to be hunted by an unstoppable supernatural force. The horror only deepens as Lily succumbs her monstrous nature more: she grotesquely extends her mouth while attacking, and she elicits primal terror.
Adding to the danger aims Mr. Nyx who, instead of coming off like a sleazy club owner, holds himself as deeply entrenched in occult dealings. He had been keeping Lily contained, perhaps for selfish reasons or darker, ritualistic purposes. Now that she is free, he desperately attempts to capture or destroy her, all the while telling Jonah that her infatuation could spell his doom.
The remainder of the film focuses on survival as Lily’s wrath relentlessly pursues Jonah and the rest of his friends, forcing them to discover the truth behind her origins. In the process, the friends encounter beings and individuals that hint to a supernatural world filled with hidden creatures and forbidden knowledge.
The surrealism embedded in the climax entwines with tragedy. In one last attempt to sever the bond, Jonah faces Lily. While she demonstrates hints of affection, it is impossible to overlook her unearthly and predatory cruel side. The film concludes with Jonah escaping, albeit with emotional and physical scars. The last scenes suggest the possibility that Lily is still obsessed with Jonah, unresolved, lingering in a perverse, mythical dimension of this dark universe, hinting at further explorations in untold narratives.
Cast & Crew
The film’s core creativity and primary stylistic choices by the cast and crew shape the film’s impact. Here’s a breakdown of the main cast and crew:
Chase Williamson as Jonah: Best known for his role in John Dies at the End, Williamson portrays the reluctant bachelor with sensitivity and believability. His performance grounds the film in emotional realism, providing a human core to the supernatural chaos.
Hannah Fierman as Lily: As “Amateur Hour’s” breakout star, Fierman has been remembered for her take on Lily and delivers a blend of innocence, sensuality, and monstrous terror. She portrays Lily in a sympathetic yet deeply unsettling manner, marking her as one of the most unforgettable contemporary horror icons.
Justin Welborn as Mr. Nyx: In his portrayal of the club owner Mr. Nyx, Welborn gives a performance that is both menacing and morally ambiguous. He plays a human antagonist and a circuitous route toward the supernatural.
Michael Aaron Milligan, Randy McDowell, and Hayes Mercure play Jonah’s friends: Mac, Rand, and Eliot. The interplay among these characters balances humor and suspense, framing the struggle of friendship against the test of unfathomable forces.
Gregg Bishop (Director): Known for indie horror films such as Dance of the Dead, Bishop brings his trademark energetic pacing and visual flair to SiREN. His decision to move away from found footage (used in V/H/S) allows for more dynamic cinematography and world-building, which is quite beneficial.
Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski (Writers): Expanding the original short into a complete narrative, the duo mythologized Lily’s character, making her a psychological study of greater depth. They transcend typical creature horror with a story that contemplates temptation, obsession, and consequences.
Edwin Wendler (Music): The film’s score blends haunting ambient tones with gripping strings and electronics. This juxtaposition sharpens focus on the film’s surreal tone while deepening its ever-present dread.
IMDb Ratings
SiREN has a rather low IMDb rating of 5.3 out of 10, reflecting mostly mediocre to lukewarm reception. However, while it does not receive wide praise, the film has developed a loyal following among those who viewed and enjoyed the original short from V/H/S.
Critics particularly highlighted its positive features, such as the lore expansion of captivating monsters and more character-driven horror films. Almost all reviews praised Fierman’s performance for her haunting portrayal of the tragic and frightening creature known as ‘siren’.
This reception was accompanied by some negative feedback as well, such as the pacing of the film and oscillating tone. The film begins on a playful note with a bachelor party comedy story that then quickly propels towards horror and dark fantasy without a smooth transition. Some users also mentioned that while the mythology about Lily was intriguing, it needed elaboration or an adequate explanation.
However, many viewers appreciated the refreshing perspective SiREN brought to supernatural horror. Unlike most contemporary horror films, it avoided excessive use of overused tropes. It stands out from more generic offerings because of its focus on character, rich mythos, and the compelling atmosphere.
Conclusion
As SiREN demonstrates, modern horror films have the potential to stretch the boundaries of the genre. The film expands the realm of creature horror beyond the traditional vampires, ghosts, and zombies by drawing on a fresh, lesser-known mythological figure, a siren. It succeeds in building upon the concept introduced in “Amateur Night”, transforming it into a tragic, violent, and at times, beautiful narrative of desire and danger.
SiREN, like most good stories, is about choices and consequences. Jonah’s choice to liberate Lily stemmed from compassion, but compassion summons a force far greater than oneself. Although a horrifying creature, Lily is depicted with a degree of fragility, suggesting that sometimes, horror is born from suffering rather than encapsulated in pure evil.
Bringing striking performances to life, especially from Hannah Fierman and Chase Williamson, and a distinct directorial vision together make SiREN a captivating portrait of horror, fantasy, and human drama. The film demonstrates what can be accomplished when short-form horror is allowed to evolve. For fans of supernatural modern horror infused with ingenuity, SiREN is a treacherous journey best traversed with caution—especially regarding what one chooses to liberate.
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