Oz Perkins’ Films at Neon Face Critical Decline, Raising Questions About Creative partnership
The trajectory of director Oz Perkins’ films as signing with Neon has drawn increasing scrutiny, with his latest release, “Keeper,” receiving largely negative reviews-a stark contrast to the acclaim that initially followed his work.Perkins, previously lauded for atmospheric horror films like “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” and “Gretel & Hansel,” has seen his critical standing diminish with each subsequent Neon-distributed project, prompting industry observers to question the viability of the ongoing collaboration.
This downturn is significant for both Perkins and Neon, a distribution company known for championing auteur-driven cinema. While Perkins retains a dedicated following from earlier work, the consistent negative reception risks damaging his reputation and Neon’s brand as a tastemaker. The future of their partnership, and Perkins’ career path, now hinges on whether they can reverse this trend or if a separation is unavoidable.
“Keeper,” starring Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland, premiered in theaters this month and has been met with widespread disapproval from critics. The film’s performance follows a pattern established by Perkins’ previous Neon releases, “The Bride” (2023), which also garnered unfavorable reviews. Prior to partnering with Neon,Perkins’ films received positive attention within cinephile circles. “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” (2015) was praised for its slow-burn tension and unsettling atmosphere,while his adaptation of “Gretel & Hansel” (2020) offered a visually striking and unconventional take on the classic fairy tale.
Despite the recent critical setbacks, some industry voices suggest Perkins possesses the talent to regain his footing.The director still has at least one film remaining under his Neon contract, offering an opportunity to potentially course-correct.However, the mounting pressure and diminishing returns raise concerns about whether a continued partnership will ultimately benefit either party.
From Neon, Oz Perkins’ “keeper” is currently in theaters.
