Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
COVID-19 set horror plays on fears of isolation and anxiety.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Harbinger
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE HARBINGER tells the story of Monique (Gabby Beans), who ventures out of the COVID-19 "bubble" she shares with her brother and vulnerable father to visit her old friend, Mavis (Emily Davis), who is being plagued by terrifying nightmares. Monique risks it all to help her friend, though to truly get to the bottom of the problem she too must be drawn into this dark and dangerous dreamscape, having to confront her own fears along the way.
Is It Any Good?
Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, this horror movie taps into our deepest, innermost thoughts and fears, zoning in on anxiety and isolation. The Harbinger uses a demon that appears in the characters dreams as a metaphor for the virus. The parallels aren't subtle, but they work as we're reminded of the fear of getting the virus, the anxiety of others getting ill, the notion of deaths being statistics, to being unable to spend those precious last moments with loved ones. It won't be a film for everyone, and the film could soon feel quite dated as memories of the pandemic fade. But it's well-acted, with Beans shining in the lead role and while it has its flaws, director Andy Mitton is clearly a storyteller worth keeping a keen eye on.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether The Harbinger was scary. What was most scary about it? Did it remind you of any other movies? What's the appeal of horror movies?
The film is set during the COVID-19 pandemic. How did it use our feelings during that period within the film? How did you feel watching a film set during that period?
Talk about the strong language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
The film boasts a diverse cast, with a woman of color in the central role. Have you noticed any changes within the horror genre in recent years in terms of diversity? Why representation matters in kids' media.
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 1, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : December 1, 2022
- Cast : Gabby Beans , Emily Davis , Raymond Anthony Thomas
- Director : Andy Mitton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : XYZ Films
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Friendship , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Empathy
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate