This well-produced and shot film sets expectations high after the first hour of dread, mystery, and hits of racism that portend deeper cuts. But it's powerful narrative is split in two halves, the freshman entering the prestigiously white New England University, and the seasoned professor entering one of its hallowed halls. These two stories while parallel are at odds with one another: one follows a more supernatural tone, while the other relies on social commentary to tell its horrors. This jack of all trades turns out being a master of none. And yet its core is so earnest with performances to match its ambition, the message outweighs the missteps of the first time director.