The horror genre has seen its fair share of innovative, spine-chilling films, but Tarot (2024) seems to have missed the mark for many viewers. Often described as Final Destination with a tarot card twist, this film boasts a fascinating premise but struggles to live up to its potential. While some elements shine, others leave audiences scratching their heads. Let’s take a closer look at the movie, its cast, and why it sparked such a polarized response.
A Quick Overview of Tarot (2024)
Tarot is about a group of young friends who stumble upon a mysterious deck of tarot cards. But when they play with them, the cards predict their deaths in terrifyingly specific ways. What unfolds is a race against time as the group tries to outwit their fate and escape their inevitable demise. While the concept is intriguing, the execution has left many wondering if this was yet another missed opportunity in the horror genre.
The Cast of Tarot (2024)

The film features a mix of up-and-coming and seasoned actors. Here’s the main lineup:
- Avantika Vandanapu as Paige
- Jacob Batalon as Paxton
- Harriet Slater as Haley
- Humberly González as Madeline
- Larsen Thompson as Elise
- Olwen Fouéré as Alma
- Wolfgang Novogratz as Lucas
- Adain Bradley as Grant
- James Swanton as The Hermit and The Magician
- Suncica Milanovic as Astrologer
- Staša Nikolić as The Countess
- Alan Wells as a mysterious presence
The cast delivered decent performances, with a few standout moments of emotional depth. For instance, the portrayal of grief and loss after the first death resonated with some viewers, adding a brief layer of authenticity. However, many critics felt the script didn’t allow the actors to develop their characters fully.
Strengths: What Worked in Tarot
While much of the film falls flat, there are some bright spots worth mentioning:
- Creative Flashbacks: The backstory woven into flashbacks added layers to the narrative, offering glimpses of a deeper story that sadly wasn’t fully explored.
- Chilling Magic Show Scene: One standout moment was a tense magic show sequence that felt both eerie and captivating.
- A Unique Premise: The idea of tarot cards determining gruesome fates had potential, especially for fans of supernatural thrillers.
These elements hint at what the film could have been with a stronger script and more cohesive storytelling.
Where Tarot Stumbles

Despite its intriguing concept, Tarot struggles in several key areas.
Shallow Characters
One of the film’s biggest criticisms is its one-dimensional characters. Unlike Scream or other ensemble horror films, there’s no chemistry or sense of history between the friends. They feel like strangers thrown together, making it hard for audiences to connect or care about their fates.
Even worse, character motivations often contradict themselves. For example, the main character initially refuses to touch someone else’s tarot cards, citing superstition. Yet, with minimal convincing, she changes her mind—without any meaningful inner conflict.
Inconsistent Tone
Is Tarot a horror film, a comedy, or something in between? The movie fails to decide, and that uncertainty detracts from the overall experience. It’s not scary enough to be a full-fledged horror, nor clever enough to succeed as a horror-comedy.
Visual and Audio Missteps
The cinematography leans heavily on darkness, but it lacks the thoughtful use of shadows and lighting that make great horror films atmospheric. Instead, it’s just visually murky. Meanwhile, abrupt volume shifts in the audio come off as jarring rather than tension-building. And the inclusion of outdated music choices, like Howard Jones’ Things Can Only Get Better, feels bizarre for a 2024 teen horror flick.
Audience Reactions: A Mixed Bag
Critics and audiences alike had strong opinions about Tarot (2024)—most of them negative. Here’s a quick look at the highlights and lowlights:
- Positive Reactions: A few critics appreciated the creativity behind the tarot-inspired deaths and praised the flashbacks as a glimpse into what the film could have been.
- Negative Reactions: Many felt the movie relied too heavily on horror clichés, lacked originality, and failed to establish believable relationships between characters.
Critic Marya E. Gates even likened the set pieces to “rejected bits from the Final Destination franchise,” while others noted that the film often felt “creatively bankrupt” and “passionless.”
Final Thoughts: Tarot’s Missed Potential
Tarot (2024) had the foundation for something memorable: a unique premise, a talented cast, and the chance to explore the darker themes of fate and superstition. Unfortunately, poor character development, inconsistent tone, and lackluster visuals dragged it down.
For fans of supernatural horror, Tarot might still offer a few moments of intrigue, particularly for those who enjoy films with a campy or nostalgic vibe. However, most viewers will likely find themselves frustrated by the movie’s inability to deliver on its potential.
If you’re looking for a horror movie with depth, this might not be your pick. But if you’re in the mood for a light, tarot-themed thrill, Tarot could still make for a fun movie night—just don’t expect to be blown away.
What Do You Think?
Have you seen Tarot (2024)? Do you agree with the critics, or did you find something to enjoy in this supernatural horror flick? Let us know your thoughts!