The Fall of Usher (2021) #479

 

This year the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival had the privilege to host the world premier of the film "The Fall of Usher". The festival has often screened films inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, so this was the perfect place for this film to be shown. At first glance, the viewer is given that the movie is an adaptation of  "The Fall of The House of Usher", but it's so much more. The movie is a clever combination of several Edgar Allan Poe stories, each weaving in and out of each other seamlessly. The references vary from obvious and primary focal points to more subtle nods that were added for flair and visual effect. While the movie will be a treat for Poe super-fans looking for every reference and Easter egg they find, the film is easily accessible and enjoyable for those who don't know anything about the writer and his works.

Due to the nature of the narrative, I don't want to reveal any of the Poe stories that are used or how they are implemented. This is truly a case where the less you know before hand, the better. What I can say is that the movie stars Riker Hill, an amazing young actor that fully carries the film from beginning to end. This movie was not the first time that he had worked with director and writer Brian Cunningham, and after seeing how fun this movie was, I hope that work together again in the future. 

Look for this movie in a local film festival near you!

The Whisperer in Darkness (2011) #478

In celebration of its tenth an anniversary, “The Whisperer in Darkness” was a feature film at the 26th annual H.P Lovecraft Film Festival in Portland, Oregon. It truly is an independent film that was made with love, sweat, and tears by diehard Lovecraft fans. Adapted by Sean Branney and Andrew Leaman, the story faithfully follows Lovecraft’s original work with only minor changes, that is until the third act, which offers an expanded and action packed finale that I think most Lovecraft fans would approve of. 

The wonderful people of the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society produced this wonderful film in the style of a 1920’s/30’s Universal Studios monster movie. Shown in black and white, the stark contrasts are used to maximum effect that produces some incredibly gorgeous shots and silhouettes. Adding to the visual atmosphere are the multiple scenes in the rain, which helps create the sensation of isolation and struggle. The musical score is beautiful and also very reminiscent of the scores of years long past from that era.

                                        

“The Whisperer in Darkness” is about Albert Wilmarth, a professor of folk lore at Miskatonic University, who is drawn into a controversy concerning the existence of monstrous creatures living in the mountains of Vermont. Ever the realist, Wilmarth finally agrees to go visit an educated correspondent who claims to have proof of the crab-like creatures ; letters, pictures, audio recordings, and a possible rune covered stone all hint at the actual existence of aliens that have been on the earth for years. As soon as Wilmarth arrives in Vermont, he begins to suspect that the secret conspiracy is more real and larger than he could have ever expected. Is the earth doomed and is there still time to save the human race?

The cast of "The Whisperer in Darkness" includes several members frequently heard in the H.P Lovecraft Historical Society's Dark Adventure Radio Theatre (D.A.R.T) radio plays. These include star Matt Foyer, Barry Lynch, Andrew Leman, and Sean Branney. It's great to see them after hearing their voices in all of the great D.A.R.T projects. "The Whisperer in Darkness" is not currently streaming anywhere or available to rent, but you can purchase a copy directly from the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society at their website https://www.hplhs.org/

Blood Red Sky (2021) #477

 

Is "Blood Red Sky" more of a horror film or more of an action film? It's difficult to say for sure but it's still a fun, brisk movie that does not disappoint. The premise is simple; a single mother, Nadja, and her only child, Elias, are on their way to New York when the plane they're on is hijacked and terror ensues. The hijackers have planned for everything except for the fact that Nadja is a vampire who is struggling to keep her blood lust in check. Her fight to retain her humanity is slipping but she remains a protective mother first and foremost. 

"Blood Red Sky" was directed and co-written by Peter Thorwarth with a budget of $17.7 million dollars. Mr Thorwarth uses his limited budget and the enclosed space of an airplane to full effect, creating an effective vampire film that feels fresh and exciting. Peri Baumeister also stars as Nadja, who gives a performance that is equally emotionally driven as it is action oriented; she is seen as both vulnerable as well as an apex predator. Dominic Purcell, perhaps the most recognized name to an American audience, co-stars as Berg, the leader of the terrorists. He's cool and calm throughout the film, a clever and confident leader who planned for everything for a swift takeover. Alexander Scheer steals the spotlight as one of the terrorists, a psychopathic loose cannon who is the first to figure out that there is a vampire on the flight.

As a vampire film, "Blood Red Sky" examines the struggles of not giving into the beast of the condition. We see Nadja's infection and how she handles being a single mother of an infant. We learn in the beginning of the film that she is headed to New York for a possible solution for her condition although the audience isn't yet aware of what the condition is; this is quickly revealed so it's not really a spoiler. This leads us to speculate if vampirism is more accepted as a possibility than as a myth. When Nadja's vampiric tendencies begin to take over, we see the transformation of a meek, quiet woman to the predator we know vampires to be. Trying to keep her secret from the other passengers and the hijackers is a challenge that ultimately fails. The third act of the film becomes a bloodbath as less restrained predators are released.

"Blood Red Sky" is perhaps one of the more enjoyable vampire films I've seen in the last ten years and I hope Netflix continues to stream more horror themed content in the future.

Sacrifice (2020) #476

 

In the vein of H.P. Lovecraft comes "Sacrifice", a 2021 thriller about a young man returning to the land where he was born and the family secrets waiting for him there. The isolation of being on a small island in a foreign country, persistent nightmares, and creeping realization that the local citizens are all members of some esoteric cult wear down Issac and his wife Emma until the fateful revelation and conclusion of the film. Directed by Andy Collier and Tor Mian, the movie stars Ludovic Hughes as Issac, Sophie Stevens as Emma, and Barbara Crampton as Renate Nygard.

"Sacrifice" feels like a tribute to Lovecraft and his fans, and as such it may not appeal to every horror fan. While building atmosphere, the pacing may feel slow and dragging and the actual scary moments are few and brief, all much like a Lovecraft story. As fans of Lovecraft know, it's not always about the obvious scares that matter the most. The impending doom that haunt Emma throughout the film is truly effective, as well as the mysterious motivations of the cult that seems all too welcoming. Perhaps the most poignant attribute to Lovecraft is having Issac coming back to his homeland to tie up loose strings and slowly learning about his family's haunting past secrets. Giving Issac the last name of Pickman is also a very nice touch!

I must admit that I was looking forward to this film when I learned that Barbara Crampton was attached to the project. She had hinted that she was working on a Lovecraft style movie and that was all it took. She plays an important supporting role with plenty of screen time but still allows Sophie and Ludovic to shine during their scenes. As one of the local citizens with knowledge of Issac's past, Barbara's presence is felt more so in each subsequent scene. It was truly a pleasure watching her in a Lovecraft style movie again.