Totem (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

In terms of art and craft, the film shows flashes of competence, particularly in its eerie production design and occasional effective framing. However, budget constraints are evident in the cinematography, and editing issues contribute to pacing problems. The overall visual and technical execution remains uneven, yielding a moderately competent but not standout artistic presentation.

When assessing character work, the lead performances display moments of credible fear and vulnerability, especially from the central teenage protagonist. Supporting actors, however, often appear flat, and character decisions can feel illogical, reducing emotional resonance. The mixed quality of acting and limited depth results in an average character impression overall.

The story begins with a compelling family dynamic and an intriguing supernatural hook, but soon loses cohesion. Pacing drags in the first act, and the narrative becomes disjointed and predictable in later sections, with unresolved plot threads and a rushed conclusion. These structural weaknesses lower the overall storytelling effectiveness.

Sensory elements such as sound design and visual style contribute unevenly to the film's mood. The atmospheric score and occasional effective sound cues enhance tension, yet the overall sound mix is unremarkable and visual polish varies with budget constraints. This results in a mixed sensory experience that is sometimes immersive but often plain.

Rewatch value is limited by the film's pacing issues and predictability. While the twist offers a modest surprise and some scenes are memorable, the lack of sustained tension and narrative coherence reduce incentive for repeat viewings. Consequently, the movie holds only modest appeal for subsequent watches.