Is Medium Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Medium, a standout production of 2021, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Horror, Thriller, Crime landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A gang of robbers steals thousands of euros in a provincial bar without imagining that the owner of the business is Cagliostro (Tony Sperandeo), a shady individual linked to the criminal underworld. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror, Thriller, Crime are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A gang of robbers steals thousands of euros in a provincial bar without imagining that the owner of the business is Cagliostro (Tony Sperandeo), a shady individual linked to the criminal underworld. He tracks down the gang of robbers, offering them the opportunity to collaborate with him, by sneaking into the mansion of the elderly Chinese businessman Hung (Hal Yamanouchi), where they will have to steal a green jade pendant for him. In exchange for the success they will be able to keep all the money stolen from the bar, but they will discover that the medallion is around the neck of Hung's daughter, Sofia (Martina Angelucci), in a coma and kept alive through a mysterious ritual. And it is only the beginning of a long night of blood and violence."

🎭 Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Emilio Franchini provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Massimo Paolucci is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

🤔 Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Medium truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, Thriller, Crime, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

⚖️ Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Medium explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Massimo Paolucci respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

🏆 Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Medium is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Emilio Franchini or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Medium is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.