The Grudge Review: 2 Ups & 8 Downs

7. The Frustrating Narrative Structure

Much like prior iterations of The Grudge, this version unfolds in non-linear fashion, with the modern-day detective story intercut with the various grisly tragedies which befell victims of the titular curse in years prior.

Unfortunately this time it adds nothing to the story contextually or atmospherically, beyond letting the audience more-or-less know what happened to the poor saps before we finally see it for ourselves in the barmy third act of the movie.

Ultimately the structure proves more confusing than intriguing, especially given the vague rules of the curse itself and the fact that two of the victims - those played by Betty Gilpin and Tara Westwood - bear a strong physical resemblance to one another.

Above all else it feels like a desperate attempt to make the film seem more dynamic and interesting than it actually is.