The Chilling Premise of Becoming (2020)
Becoming, the 2020 horror, science fiction, and thriller film, thrusts viewers into a deeply unsettling narrative centered around a young couple, Lisa and Alex, whose seemingly idyllic road trip quickly devolves into a nightmare. Directed by Omar Naim, the story begins with the familiar tropes of a romantic getaway, but the atmosphere soon shifts dramatically. An ancient, malevolent spirit latches onto Alex, possessing him and twisting his very essence. What follows is a desperate struggle for Lisa, who must find a way to combat this powerful, otherworldly entity without extinguishing the life of the man she loves. It's a classic battle of good versus evil, but with an intensely personal, heartbreaking twist, exploring the boundaries of love and sacrifice when confronted by the truly monstrous.
Behind the Scenes: The Making and Cast of Becoming
Released in 2020, Becoming is a United States production that runs for a taut 98 minutes, ensuring a relatively brisk and focused viewing experience for those drawn to its genre blend. The film, rated PG, which is a somewhat surprising classification for a horror-thriller dealing with demonic possession – usually these narratives lean into more mature ratings – suggests a different kind of terror, perhaps more psychological than overtly graphic. Omar Naim takes the directorial reins, guiding a cast that includes some familiar faces from various corners of film and television. Toby Kebbell, known for his roles in blockbusters like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Black Mirror, anchors the male lead, Alex, providing a crucial performance as he oscillates between his true self and the malevolent entity inhabiting him. His ability to convey both vulnerability and menace is absolutely vital. Penelope Mitchell, recognized from series like The Vampire Diaries and Riverdale, portrays Lisa, the woman at the heart of this ordeal, whose emotional journey is central to the film's impact. Rounding out the cast are veterans like Jason Patric, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Beth Broderick (yes, Aunt Zelda from Sabrina the Teenage Witch!), Stephen Rider, and Melissa Bolona. While Becoming didn't garner major awards or significant box office numbers, its strength lies in its attempt to deliver a character-driven horror experience, relying heavily on the tension between its two leads rather than jump scares. On Movie OTT, we often see films like this find their audience through streaming, long after their initial release, proving that critical acclaim isn't the only measure of a film's worth.
Unpacking the Fear: What Becoming Aims to Achieve
Becoming attempts to weave a narrative that explores the profound connection between two people, testing the limits of that bond when one becomes a vessel for something truly evil. The performances from Toby Kebbell and Penelope Mitchell are central to the film's success in portraying this escalating nightmare. Kebbell's transformation from loving fiancé to something sinister is genuinely unsettling, and Mitchell effectively conveys the terror, confusion, and desperate love that drives her character. The film leans into psychological horror, making viewers question what remains of a person when their body and mind are no longer their own. It's a slow burn, building dread rather than relying on cheap scares. Honestly, the PG rating probably threw some viewers off – expecting a lighter touch, perhaps – but the film still manages to create a palpable sense of unease. What's striking is how the film tries to grapple with the ethical dilemma: how do you kill the monster without killing the man? It’s a question that permeates the entire runtime, keeping Lisa (and the audience) on edge. While the film has an IMDb rating of 4.9/10 from 1,578 votes, suggesting it didn't fully land with all audiences, I keep coming back to its commitment to character and theme. As one critic writing for Horror Central noted, "Becoming has moments of genuine tension and a compelling central premise, even if its execution occasionally stumbles, particularly in its third act." This isn't a film designed for mainstream jump-scare enthusiasts; it's for those who appreciate a more introspective, albeit flawed, take on possession and the horror of losing someone to an unseen force. The final act, while perhaps not universally satisfying, certainly offers a bleak, impactful resolution.
Where to Stream Becoming: Your Viewing Options
For those intrigued by the blend of horror, sci-fi, and psychological thriller that Becoming offers, you'll find it readily available across a variety of streaming platforms. Whether you prefer to rent, buy, or watch for free, there are multiple avenues to explore. As with many films that find their second life on streaming, its availability is quite broad. You can catch Becoming on free ad-supported platforms like Fandango at Home Free, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Tubi TV – perfect for a spontaneous movie night without breaking the bank. For those who prefer subscription services or rentals, it's also available on Prime Video, Hoopla, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Sky Store. Movie OTT makes it easy to track where films like this are currently streaming, ensuring you don't miss out. Just check the 'Where to Watch' widget at the top of this page for the most up-to-date information on all its current homes. That’s convenience!
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed the 2020 horror film Becoming? A: Becoming was directed by Omar Naim. Naim is known for his work in the thriller genre, bringing a distinct vision to this story of possession and psychological torment.
Q: What is the runtime of Becoming (2020)? A: The film Becoming has a runtime of 98 minutes. This concise length helps maintain a consistent pace, keeping the tension building throughout the narrative.
Q: Who are the main cast members in Becoming? A: The primary cast of Becoming features Toby Kebbell as Alex and Penelope Mitchell as Lisa. Supporting roles are played by Jason Patric, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Beth Broderick, Stephen Rider, and Melissa Bolona.
Q: What is the IMDb rating for Becoming (2020)? A: Becoming holds an IMDb rating of 4.9/10 based on 1,578 votes. While not universally acclaimed, it has found an audience among fans of its specific subgenres.
Q: Where can I watch Becoming online? A: Becoming is available on numerous streaming platforms, including Fandango at Home Free, Pluto TV, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, Hoopla, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Sky Store. Check Movie OTT for the most current options.
Is Becoming Worth Watching? A Final Recommendation
Ultimately, Becoming isn't a film for everyone, especially if you're looking for a conventional, high-budget horror spectacle. Instead, it offers a more intimate and unsettling experience, delving into the psychological toll of demonic possession on a relationship. Its PG rating might initially mislead, but it doesn't shy away from the emotional horror. Fans of character-driven thrillers with a sci-fi edge, or those who appreciate a slow-burn narrative over gore, will likely find something to appreciate here. It's a film that asks tough questions about love, identity, and the lengths one would go to save someone they cherish – even from themselves. For a nuanced, if imperfect, take on a familiar horror trope, give Becoming a watch. You might just be surprised.
