"Split Rock" Review: Striking Visuals Can't Overcome Sluggish Pacing

As the horror genre continues to have a stellar 2026, it's admirable when a filmmaker knows the atmosphere he wants, even when the finished product doesn't fully cohere. That was my takeaway from “Split Rock,” writer and director Ryan Glover's sophomore supernatural horror feature. While I respected the film's artistic ambitions, its uneven pacing made it hard to stay invested.

The film follows geologists Lauren (Clark Backo) and Ben (Drew Ray Tanner) as they travel into the remote badlands to investigate an unusual geological anomaly. What begins as a scientific expedition soon turns sinister when the team uncovers an ancient force buried in the hills. Olivia Luccardi and Graham Verchere round out the small ensemble.

One of the film's strongest assets is its presentation. Shot on 16mm, “Split Rock” has a textured, timeless look that sets it apart from the slicker digital look of many contemporary horror films. Glover clearly values mood and visual storytelling, and I appreciated his willingness to let the landscape do some of the talking. In fact, I couldn't help thinking how impressive these images would look on a theater screen. There's a genuine artistic vision here, and that deserves acknowledgment.

However, atmosphere can only carry a film so far. With a small cast and a relatively contained premise, keeping an audience engaged becomes even harder. Every character interaction, revelation, and moment of suspense needs to count. There's simply little room for wasted movement. Unfortunately, “Split Rock” struggles to maintain that balance.

I have no problem with slow-burn horror. Some of the genre's most effective films take their time building dread before unleashing the payoff. But there's a difference between deliberately building tension and allowing the story to lose momentum. Too often, Glover's film settles into a rhythm that feels more sluggish than suspenseful. Just when I expected things to shift into another gear, the narrative seemed content to linger.

To the film's credit, Glover doesn’t compromise his visual approach to chase cheap scares. That commitment makes “Split Rock” interesting to look at, even when the storytelling isn't nearly as compelling.

Ultimately, “Split Rock” is one of those movies where I admired the craftsmanship more than the experience. The visuals suggest a filmmaker with a distinctive eye, but the pacing kept me at arm's length.

There’s talent behind the camera. I just wish the story had given that talent more urgency.

Final Grade: C-

"Split Rock" Debuts on Shudder on December 25