Director Joe Ciminera brings us his vision of horror. But, does it live up to a horror fan's expectations?
By Christopher K. House
By Christopher K. House
The film starts out at a slow pace but, ominous in tone. We are introduced to a loving family gathered around a dinner table with the father saying his goodbyes before going off to war.. Soon after, we learn he will not be making it back. This sets an uneasy tone as the credits start rolling. Introducing us to the madness to come.
Soon, the wife, Claire begins a slow descent into madness. We begin to notice things aren't what they seem. The unsettling feeling starts to set in. One standout is the fantastic cinematography. It is above average for an independent film. The wife and her children begin to feel they are not alone in the house.
Soon, it becomes very clear the house they inhabit is very haunted house. Son Victor and daughter Heather talk among them selves about Mother's erratic behavior.
They also confide there is a strange tall woman that appears at times. This is a true ghost story In the finest sense.
We soon have a group of priests gather and talk about the issues the family are suffering.
Adding only to the ominous feeling the family is in trouble. The priests want to bless the house on the family's benefit. The wife is not too keen on the idea, having just lost her husband. The acting is very good here, you feel a connection to the family, you care about them.
The settings in the film are very gothic and fitting for this twisted horror story. The grand house the family occupies is right at home with the highest of social class. The family is not destitute or needy. Midway through the film, we still aren't sure exactly what is going on. There are some extremely unsettling images that shock and surprise at unexpected moments. Ghosts and ghouls persist. The group of priests confer to help the family battle their demons.
Bruises and scratches soon begin to appear on the children. The mother dismisses it as rough play. The maid insists it was a tall woman that did it. The servant is all but dismissed.
Things do get a bit confusing at this time. There is something that has condo with the children, we aren't clear what this has to do with the father's death, if anything. The new servant seems to have nefarious motives with the children though, it isn't clear at this time. The mother is all but clear there will be no church or any mention of God to the new servant.
Children in the village are still missing, the police have no leads. What does this have to do with this particular family? Unclear at this time.
The quality of the cinematography adds to the powerful sights the film has to offer. From the unsettling ghosts to the shocking scenes of despair. This is good stuff.
It seems mother is diving into pure madness though, at this time we aren't given the explanation. Actually, we are waiting for a lot to be explained at this time. Not a whole lot is clear.
There is a very unsettling scene that involves the 3 priests. Ghosts don't like priests, apparently. This is very clear. The editing is also a standout and really added to the effectiveness especially in this scene.
Overall, I was impressed by the film. As a horror fan, I appreciate the efforts the director made to create the atmosphere he did. My only critique is the story lost you at times. almost convoluted at times. Having said that, when the film lost you, it pulled you back in with a shock. Well done independent film. Very much worth a look. Joe it distributing this via Tugg. Be sure to support him if he plays in your area.
Rating B+
Soon, the wife, Claire begins a slow descent into madness. We begin to notice things aren't what they seem. The unsettling feeling starts to set in. One standout is the fantastic cinematography. It is above average for an independent film. The wife and her children begin to feel they are not alone in the house.
Soon, it becomes very clear the house they inhabit is very haunted house. Son Victor and daughter Heather talk among them selves about Mother's erratic behavior.
They also confide there is a strange tall woman that appears at times. This is a true ghost story In the finest sense.
We soon have a group of priests gather and talk about the issues the family are suffering.
Adding only to the ominous feeling the family is in trouble. The priests want to bless the house on the family's benefit. The wife is not too keen on the idea, having just lost her husband. The acting is very good here, you feel a connection to the family, you care about them.
The settings in the film are very gothic and fitting for this twisted horror story. The grand house the family occupies is right at home with the highest of social class. The family is not destitute or needy. Midway through the film, we still aren't sure exactly what is going on. There are some extremely unsettling images that shock and surprise at unexpected moments. Ghosts and ghouls persist. The group of priests confer to help the family battle their demons.
Bruises and scratches soon begin to appear on the children. The mother dismisses it as rough play. The maid insists it was a tall woman that did it. The servant is all but dismissed.
Things do get a bit confusing at this time. There is something that has condo with the children, we aren't clear what this has to do with the father's death, if anything. The new servant seems to have nefarious motives with the children though, it isn't clear at this time. The mother is all but clear there will be no church or any mention of God to the new servant.
Children in the village are still missing, the police have no leads. What does this have to do with this particular family? Unclear at this time.
The quality of the cinematography adds to the powerful sights the film has to offer. From the unsettling ghosts to the shocking scenes of despair. This is good stuff.
It seems mother is diving into pure madness though, at this time we aren't given the explanation. Actually, we are waiting for a lot to be explained at this time. Not a whole lot is clear.
There is a very unsettling scene that involves the 3 priests. Ghosts don't like priests, apparently. This is very clear. The editing is also a standout and really added to the effectiveness especially in this scene.
Overall, I was impressed by the film. As a horror fan, I appreciate the efforts the director made to create the atmosphere he did. My only critique is the story lost you at times. almost convoluted at times. Having said that, when the film lost you, it pulled you back in with a shock. Well done independent film. Very much worth a look. Joe it distributing this via Tugg. Be sure to support him if he plays in your area.
Rating B+
RSS Feed