Tarot (2024) - Latest Supernatural Horror Film
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Tarot (2024) - The Latest Supernatural Horror Film
- Plot Summary - The Chilling Tale of Tarot
- Cast and Characters
- Production Details
- Release and Box Office Performance
- Critical Reception
- Themes and Analysis
- FAQs about Tarot (2024)
- Conclusion
Introduction to Tarot (2024) - The Latest Supernatural Horror Film
Tarot is a 2024 American supernatural horror film that marks the feature film directorial debuts of Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg. Co-written with Nicholas Adams, the movie is an adaptation of the 1992 novel Horrorscope by Nicholas Adams. Released by Sony Pictures on May 3, 2024, Tarot weaves a chilling narrative about a group of college students who, after using a mysterious Tarot deck, start dying gruesomely one by one. Despite its intriguing premise, the film has received mixed to negative reviews from critics but has managed to gross $30 million worldwide.
Plot Summary - The Chilling Tale of Tarot
The Group and the Tarot Cards
The story of Tarot centers on a group of friends: Haley, Grant, Paxton, Paige, Madeline, Lucas, and Elise. They gather at a secluded mansion in the Catskills to celebrate Elise's birthday. The group dynamic is strained due to Haley and Grant's recent breakup. To lighten the mood, they decide to have Haley read their horoscopes using a Tarot deck they find in the basement, despite the warning that using someone else's deck is against Tarot rules.
First Death - Elise and The High Priestess
The following day, the group returns to their campus. Elise, staying alone in her dorm, investigates strange noises in the attic and is gruesomely killed by a monstrous version of The High Priestess card. Her death is ruled an accident, shocking her friends. Haley shares her history with Tarot, explaining how the cards predicted her mother’s death, setting the tone for the horrors to come.
Subsequent Tragedies
Lucas is the next victim, killed by The Hermit card in a train station. Haley and the remaining friends start piecing together the connection between the Tarot readings and the deaths. They seek help from Alma Astryn, an expert on the occult. Alma reveals the cursed history of the Tarot deck and the astrologer who created it, suggesting that the only way to break the curse is to destroy the deck by fire.
While en route to the mansion to destroy the deck, the group faces more tragedies. Their car breaks down, and Madeline is killed by The Hanged Man. Paxton, terrified, abandons the group but is later stalked by The Fool.
The Climax and Resolution
Haley, Grant, and Paige make it back to the mansion with Alma’s help. Despite summoning the astrologer’s spirit, Alma is killed by the Six of Swords card. Paige is then lured and killed by The Magician in the basement. The climax sees Grant and Haley attacked by The Devil and Death cards, respectively. In a desperate move, Haley uses the deck to perform a reading for the astrologer, resulting in her giving the spirit the Death card. This act breaks the curse, burning the deck and allowing Haley and Grant to survive. They reconcile and reunite with Paxton, who narrowly escaped his fate.
Cast and Characters
- Harriet Slater as Haley
- Jacob Batalon as Paxton
- Avantika as Paige
- Adain Bradley as Grant
- Humberly González as Madeline
- Wolfgang Novogratz as Lucas
- Larsen Thompson as Elise
- Olwen Fouéré as Alma Astryn
Production Details
Production for Tarot was announced in June 2022. The film is based on Nicholas Adams's novel Horrorscope and features a screenplay by Spenser Cohen, Anna Halberg, and Adams himself. Ground Control's Scott Glassgold produced the film through Alloy Entertainment, alongside Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton. Cohen and Halberg also served as executive producers. The cast saw additions throughout 2022, with Harriet Slater and Humberly González joining in October and July, respectively.
Release and Box Office Performance
Originally slated for a June 28, 2024 release, Tarot was eventually moved up to May 3, 2024. The film opened alongside The Fall Guy and grossed $6.3 million in its opening weekend, finishing fourth at the box office. Despite a sharp decline in subsequent weeks, it has managed a worldwide gross of $30.2 million.
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Critical Reception
Tarot received predominantly negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 19% approval rating based on 48 reviews, with an average score of 4.3/10. Metacritic reports a weighted average score of 36 out of 100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. Audience reactions have been similarly lukewarm, with a CinemaScore of "C–" and a 59% overall positive score on PostTrak.
Themes and Analysis
The Supernatural Elements
The supernatural aspects of Tarot are deeply intertwined with the lore of Tarot cards and their mystical interpretations. The film explores themes of fate, predestination, and the supernatural’s influence on the mortal realm. Each death aligns with a specific Tarot card, creating a sense of impending doom and inescapable destiny.
Character Development
Character dynamics, particularly the tension between Haley and Grant, add depth to the narrative. Haley's backstory with her mother and the Tarot cards adds emotional weight, making her the linchpin of the story's resolution. The friendships and betrayals among the group provide a human element to the supernatural horrors.
Visual and Special Effects
Tarot leverages visual and special effects to create its horror elements. The manifestations of the Tarot cards as monstrous figures are both a visual treat and a source of terror. The eerie, atmospheric setting of the Catskills mansion and the dark, foreboding environments contribute significantly to the film’s suspenseful and chilling ambiance.
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FAQs about Tarot (2024)
What is the premise of Tarot?
Tarot follows a group of college students who, after using a mysterious Tarot deck, begin to die one by one. They must uncover the mystery behind the deck to stop the gruesome deaths.
Who directed Tarot?
Tarot was directed by Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg, making their feature film directorial debuts.
Is Tarot based on a book?
Yes, Tarot is based on the 1992 novel Horrorscope by Nicholas Adams.
What has been the critical reception of Tarot?
Tarot has received generally unfavorable reviews from critics, with a 19% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 36 out of 100 on Metacritic.
Where can I watch Tarot?
Tarot was released in theaters by Sony Pictures on May 3, 2024. It is likely to be available on various streaming platforms and for purchase or rental digitally post-theatrical release.
Conclusion
Tarot (2024) blends supernatural horror with a gripping narrative about fate and the dark history of Tarot cards. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film has managed to capture the interest of horror enthusiasts worldwide. With its compelling plot, strong performances, and chilling special effects, Tarot stands out as a notable entry in the supernatural horror genre. Whether you're a fan of horror movies or intrigued by the mystique of Tarot, this film offers a haunting experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
