‘Bagman’ (2024) Movie Review - Approach the Weekend With a Dash of Horror

In Bagman, Sam Claflin stars as Patrick McKee, a man whose life is spiraling after his dream of creating a state-of-the-art tree trimmer collapses. Burdened with financial problems, Patrick, along with his wife Karina (Antonia Thomas) and young son Jake (Carnell Vincent Rhodes), moves back to his childhood home and takes a job at the family lumber yard, working for his brother Liam (Steven Cree). Shortly after settling in, Patrick begins experiencing unsettling occurrences—strange noises outside at night, disturbing nightmares about Jake being kidnapped, and flickering lights around the house. Even creepier, a disturbing doll mysteriously appears, deepening the sense that something sinister is happening, though there’s no concrete proof.

Despite the lack of evidence, Patrick becomes increasingly convinced that an ominous force is targeting his family, particularly Jake. His suspicions stem from a traumatic story his father once told him about Bagman, an ancient evil entity said to reside in a nearby abandoned copper mine. According to legend, Bagman paralyzes parents and abducts children—the good ones. But here's the twist the bad ones aren't kidnapped, it is only the good ones—trapping them in his bag forever. Though Patrick dismissed the tale as a childhood myth, his belief changes after a terrifying personal encounter with Bagman during his youth, from which he narrowly escaped.

Now, two decades later, Bagman has returned, as seen in the film’s eerie opening sequence where he snatches another child. Patrick must confront the traumatic memories of his past and the lurking evil once more, this time to protect his own son from the relentless entity. As the supernatural threat intensifies, Patrick is thrust into a desperate struggle to save Jake from becoming Bagman’s latest victim.

Bagman effectively blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, playing on primal fears of parenthood and helplessness. Claflin delivers a gripping performance as a father haunted by his past and driven to protect his family at all costs. The film's pacing builds tension steadily, with the ominous presence of Bagman creating a sense of dread throughout.

The performances in the film are commendable, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. Sam Claflin, in particular, stands out with his portrayal of Patrick McKee, capturing the character's internal struggles and fears with a raw intensity that anchors the film. Antonia Thomas complements him well as Karina, delivering a nuanced performance that balances strength and vulnerability, reflecting the emotional turmoil of a mother trying to keep her family safe. Steven Cree, as Patrick's brother Liam, adds a grounded layer to the family dynamics, while young Carnell Vincent Rhodes, playing Jake, manages to convey innocence and fear with subtlety, making his role as the targeted child all the more poignant. The chemistry between the cast feels natural, heightening the emotional stakes and drawing the audience deeper into the story. Their collective performances ensure that the tension feels real and the fear palpable, making the film's supernatural elements even more chilling.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times