The Endless (2017) #492

Spoiler warning!

 

Always be aware of cults, things never end well with cults. And if you happen to be lucky enough to leave a cult, don't go back for a visit! This is the advice that was presented but not heeded in the cosmic horror instant classic "The Endless". Directed and produced by Aaron Moorehead and Justin Benson, the "The Endless" is a cautionary tale of two brothers, also played by Benson and Moorehead, who receive a video from their old cult which tempts the younger one to return to what he saw as a better life.

The movie begins by establishing what life is like for the two brothers, Justin and Aaron, first by showing the friction between the two over the purchase of a car battery. The older brother is the more grounded and responsible one while the younger is flighty and distracted. Instead of picking up a car battery, Aaron spends $20 to purchase a used camcorder so he can watch the mysterious recording that was mailed to them. The video shows Anna, a member from Camp Arcadia, telling the viewer that it's almost time for ascension, so don't be worried if they're not around, that they will be back soon. Justin is forced to acknowledge that the immediate danger that he foretold that would come to the group took longer than he estimated, ten years in fact, but it was bound to happen. He still believes that he saved his brother and himself from a dangerous UFO suicide cult, although their lives are less than ideal. They struggle with money and relationships, working as house cleaners who cook their meals of ramen while on the job. We even see two scenes where the brothers are attending Cult Deprogramming sessions, a lifelong journey to reassimilate. Justin is hopeful that things will improve while Aaron is depressed and begs to visit the camp in order to at least say a proper goodbye; Justin eventually agrees that the two can go for a single day and night.

Camp Arcadia is located in the remote nowhere in southern California, no sign of civilization to be found. On the way, they stop at their mother's roadside memorial. They are surprised that it's still in great condition, even a painting they made almost ten years ago. They leave and eventually arrive at the camp, where they are greeted by a perpetually smiling man named Dave. They drive further until they reach the camp proper, quickly noticing that everyone barely seems to have aged over the past ten years. They get out and are quickly welcomed by the various members that knew them years ago, including Anna from the video and Hal, the leader of the group. The two brothers spend the day talking with the others and forming their own separate impressions of what life really is like at the camp. Justin remains skeptical while Aaron is happy to be "home" and convinces his brother to stay one more night.

During the second day, strange occurrences begin to take place. Invisible barriers, ripples along the ground, photos appearing from nowhere, and the oppressive feeling of being watched. And then that night, both Justin and Aaron see two moons in the sky; Hal explains to Jusitn that this is a known phenomenon, that two means truth and three moons signifies the ascension, and that Justin needs to find his truth before the full third moon. This truth means learning about the time loops and those that are trapped within, including the horrible, painful fate that awaits for those who live until the final moment. Some time loops last years, some last days, while others merely hours or even seconds. Justin and Aaron are forced to find each other and the truth about their lives and relationship in order to survive and escape the time loop at Camp Arcadia. 

My favorite moment - The big reveal in the movie is when Justin finds the time loop with Michael and Chris, from "Resolution". There were some references to "The tweeker with the guns at the cabin" earlier in the film, but to actually see Chris and Michael is a delightful moment. They explain that Michael came here to help Chris and that they only intended to stay for a week, but that was many weeks ago. The viewer is then horrified by the realization that they've been stuck here for months or even years, because Justin had a previous discussion with Michael's previously pregnant wife Jennifer, who was back at the camp. Jennifer was here looking for Michael had mentioned that she left her son with her parents. Adding these characters and connection from the previous film is pure genius and was done so masterfully.

Resolution (2013) #490

For me, "Resolution" is a difficult movie to review; it encapsulates so many impressions that is hard to properly describe. It's quirky, it's thought provoking, it's confusing, and its creative. "Resolution" is also very enjoyable, rewatchable, and is a fantastic first film for Aaron Morehead and Justin Benson. The duo has garnered a respectable reputation in the independent movie scene and are held in high regard in the cosmic horror sub-genre. "Resolution" establishes a foundation that would be seen in some of their future movies.

Michael receives an email containing a series of video clips of his childhood friend Chris getting high and firing a gun erratically at a remote and desolate cabin. Michael decides to go and help his friend by forcing him to become sober or agree to rehab by tasing him and handcuffing him to a pipe, taking Chris by surprise. Chris pleads for freedom and tells Michael that he will not go to rehab, that the only time he's happy is when he's high. 

The next day Micah and Billy, two acquaintances of Chris and Michael, come to the cabin demanding the return of the drugs that Chris is holding for them. Michael chases them off, but Chris warns him that the two drug dealers have become unpredictable and dangerous since high school. Billy and Micah return but are quickly chased off by Charles and two others; Charles then tells Michael that they are on reservation land and need to leave. Michael bribes Charles to let the two stay for five more days and then he promises they will be gone.

If this wasn't enough to derail Michael's good intentions, bizarre forms of media and media equipment begin to appear. It begins when Chris tells Michael that he never sent him a video in the first place. Events begin to spiral when the two friends start seeing video clips and audio recordings of their deaths, caused by both Billy and Micah as well as Charles and his friends. With little choice left, Michael and Chris try to stay a few steps ahead of the future events to stay alive and attempt to figure out how to appease whatever force is providing these clues.

The dialogue between Michael and Chris is cheeky, adorable, and feels natural. It's one of the highlights of the film and showcases Justin Benson's ability to write realistic dialogue. Some may argue that Vinny Curran's performance as Chris going through withdrawal is unrealistic, but I appreciate his work here. The movie is not about the horror of drug dependance but about being entertainment pawns for an unseen force.

Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire (2024) #489

 

Watch the trailer here

"Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire" is the latest feature film from writer/director Stuart Ortiz, best known for his film "Grave Encounters". "Strange Harvest" is a faux documentary, which helps explains the unique and long title, about the murder spree of Mr. Shiny and the police detectives trying to solve the case. The film is presented with POV camera work, webcams, security footage, and standard interviews. It reminded me of "The Bay" which also used a variety of media recording devices. It was an engaging and well executed film, with solid performances from Peter Zizzo and Terri Apple. It was a perfect addition in the line up at the 29th annual H.P Lovecraft Film Festival.

The movie begins by introducing Detective Joe Kirby and his partner Detective Alexis Taylor, and their involvement in the Mr. Shiny case after the discovery of a gruesome crime scene. It soon becomes apparent that after a long hiatus, Mr. Shiny has resumed his killing spree within the San Bernardino valley. The movie then shows his first three crimes, which at first seem completely unrelated other than the extreme violence involved. After the discovery of an occult like symbol and a letter taunting the police, the come to realize that they are dealing with a serial killer.

The detectives have little to work with due to the lack of clues, but as the killing escalate, clues are uncovered and the chase is on. Some killings are well planned out while others are improvised. Even after his identity revealed, he is able to meticulously finish off a victim under police protection in a busy hospital. Mr. Shiny is ruthless and unrelenting, and he will not be stopped. His taunting notes to the police continue to arrive, up to a few days before the climax of his killing spree.  

"Strange Harvest" was a fun watch and I feel that it should still be just as engaging with multiple viewings. It worked well as a faux documentary, feeling grounded enough in reality to make it seem possible, while adding the supernatural and cosmic horror elements sprinkled throughout. 

Dream Eater (2024) #487

 

Making it's US premiere at the 29th annual H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, "Dream Eater" was eagerly received by those in attendance. This film shows the love that a D.I.Y independent film crew can create, where the three writers were also the directors, and two of them were the primary actors. This normally a sign for disaster but this was anything but that. "Dream Eater" is an engaging, tense film that amps up to a relentless climax. The ending may leave you with questions that you'll be kicking around long after the movie has finished, in a good way.

"Dream Eater" is about a documentary filmmaker who is recording her boyfriend's erratic and violent parasomnia. The movie is presented as a found footage film, which is perfect considering that nature of the narrative. Alex and Mallory leave the city for a vacation at a secluded cabin in the snowy mountains. Isolated, they only have each other to depend on. While loving, the relationship seems toxic with sudden outbursts from Alex whenever he is questioned about his childhood. At night, his parasomnia behavior escalates more every night, as Alex begins to claim that there is another presence there with them, hiding beneath the house. It becomes clear to Mallory that something is terribly wrong, possibly related to his childhood, possibly something supernatural, but most likely both.

"Dream Eater" is unique for a found footage film for few reasons. For one, there is a musical score, something that is noticeably absent for obvious reason. Second, there is a moment in the film where it feels like Mallory is breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to the audience as she shows us a video clip that she discovered. This leads the viewer to entertain the idea that the movie itself is a documentary, that Mallory used this as her next project. It's an interesting concept if true, but in any case, this does not ruin or take away from the from the haunting atmosphere that is carefully crafted. And I love any movie that takes place in a snowy winter wonderland!

Jay Drakulic and Alex Lee Williams during a cosmic horror panel

Alex Lee Williams and Mallory Drumm discussing their film during a Q&A

The Daemon (2024) #484

 

There will be spoilers!

Making its US debut, at the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival now less, “The Daemon” is a powerhouse independent film of watery cosmic horror. It was the perfect feature film to begin the festival; a movie with a haunting musical score, great performances, engaging plot, and the under utilized Outer God Azathoth!

The movie focuses on Tom, whose father has recently vanished from his lakeside home. Tom skips out on his business and his wife Cassie and goes to his childhood home, where bad memories begin to haunt him. 

The movie then introduces Jess, and therapist working with parolees who are required to report to her once a week. After a harrowing session with Mani, Jess returns home in time to find Cassie, Tim’s wife and her husband’s sister, at the door. She tells them how Tom is acting strangely and won’t come home. Jess decides that the three of them will go help Tom and set things right.

Tom is less than pleased when Cassie and the others arrive, telling them that they should have stayed far away. He remains moody and distant, while Cassie pleads with him  to acknowledge and react to her. He continues to act odd, standing out at the lake’s edge in the middle of the night. 

The next day all hell breaks loose as bodies go missing, demonic faces appear, and the god in the water summons those who hear its call.

We were lucky to have one of the directors, one of the actors, a producer, and the editor there for an informative Q&A after the showing. Such moments endear the movie further and make it such a memorable event. I can’t recommend with movie enough, it’s a must see.

Director David Michael Yohe posing with a demon head.

Suitable Flesh (2023) #480

    Making appearances at film festivals around the county during the autumn of 2023, "Suitable Flesh" is a grand return of a H.P. Lovecraft story adapted for the big screen. If this feels like a movie Stuart Gordon might have made, it's because it is written by his long-time screenwriter Denis Paoli, the gentleman responsible for the screen plays of "Re-Animator", "From Beyond", "Castle Freak" and others. The amazing Barbara Crampton is back as well, both co-staring and co-producing the film. With familiar creatives like these two working on a new Lovecraft movie, "Suitable Flesh" is also a film by noted director Joe Lynch, a man with his own vision and sense of production. Most of all though, "Suitable Flesh" is all about Heather Graham in the lead role as Elizabeth Derby. Heather dominates the screen in every scene that she's in, seducing the characters in the story as well as the audience watching the narrative unfold. 

   

"Suitable Flesh" is an inspired take of Lovecraft's story "The Thing on the Doorstep". I truly appreciate the new title because this is both a homage and its own story, touching on some but not all of the original story's main plot points. In this version the gender roles have been flipped and the demeanor of the characters are more relatable than the original story. This Derby is not a timid, mother smothered occultist wannabe, but rather a successful therapist who feels her life has become stale. Work is dull, her sex life with her husband is boring, and life seems repetitive. 

Elizabeth's life takes a drastic turn when Asa White shows up at her office, asking for help. She is initially intrigued by his request when he tells her that he has read her book about out of body experiences and that he has been having such moments. Asa is a nervous and anxious young man, and he begs for Elizabeth to visit his house so he can further explain what he's concerned about. Then Asa's phone rings, and when he answers it, he appears to have a seizure of sorts, but in a few moments he's fine and displaying a nearly opposite set of behaviors; confident and egotistical. Unknown to her, Dr. Derby had just witnessed a mystical body swap between Asa and his sorcerous father Ephraim. She agrees to visit Asa at his house, which in turn begins a chaotic spiral of events of body swapping and mistaken identity that involves Elizabeth, Asa and his father, and even her best friend Dr. Daniella Upton.

While there are noticeable differences between "Suitable Flesh" and "The Thing on the Doorstep", the spirit of the story is here and presented in a fun and memorable fashion. The film also has some interesting editing choices that also help set it apart from other current horror movies. The pacing is great and the movie ends with a violent, chaotic crescendo. 

Watch the movie trailer here!

https://youtu.be/e52fRshVMRU?si=dKlsM6rqS75QZ2hz

 

Mandy (2018) #473

“Mandy” is psychedelic mind trip of colors, false messiahs, drugs, bikers, and a Nicholas Cage that you’ve never seen before. The movie will leave you wondering what you just saw and additional viewings may not help answer any questions, although the film will still be fascinating. It’s a unique film that caught the attention of many and currently holds a 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes 

There is no better way to describe Nicolas Cage’s performance in “Mandy” as anything other than elemental; he is a force of pure energy. He is finally able to tap into whatever zone he enters mentally when he steps in front of a camera now days and completely let go. There are moments where he is allowed to be calm and reflective and other times where he literally gets to scream and let all of his rage and anguish flow. No one ever saw this performance coming and those who haven’t, prepare yourselves for a brand new kind of Nicolas Cage.

The film’s story is nice and simple, which allows the events that take place to have their own weight and importance in each scene. Red and Mandy live a simple, quiet life in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Red works as a logger and Mandy works as a cashier at a gas station. They have deep philosophical conversations that lead you to believe that they are both recovering from past traumas. Everything is going fine until one day when a van drives by Mandy and one of the occupants, Jeremiah Sand, sees her and becomes obsessed. Jeremiah happens to be the leader of a hippie cult that calls themselves The Children of the New Dawn, and Jeremiah truly believes that what he wants is his with the permission from god himself. He has members of his cult kidnap her, which begins a violent, manic turn of events as Red seeks vengeance and does not allow anything to get in his way.

One thing that makes this movie so odd and yet wonderful is that you have no idea what is supernatural and what isn’t. Is Red merely a man seeking revenge or is he some kind of immortal? Are the bikers really just mind fried junkies or actual demons? What other atrocities have the Children committed to satisfy Jeremiah? There are no back stories save one, and that teases the audience in the best way in this film. What I do know is thaT this movie will leave a little imprint scarred on your brain that reads “Mandy and Red we’re here”.

We Are What We Are (2013)

“We Are What We Are” is American remake of the Mexican film of the same name. This is a great remake where there are enough moments and parts of the original storyline in while having plenty changes to make this film unique and enjoyable. The first and foremost change between the two films is the fact that the gender of the family members is swapped, so where the father died in the original, the mother dies in the remake. This is a clever change that I’ve never seen before and it works out beautifully. The second most noticeable change is where the two stories take place; in the original the family lives in a poor section of Mexico City and in the remake, the family lives out in a rural town with a declining population. With those two factors in place and various cultural differences, the two movies are able to follow a similar story about a family of cannibals and how they try to carry one with their lifestyle after the family loses their “bread winner”. The remake earns bonus points because it addresses why the family has resorted to cannibalism, whereas the original never did.

The Parkers are a polite but reclusive clan who suddenly lose their matriarch, leaving behind her husband Frank, daughters Iris and Rose, and young son Rory. The timing couldn’t be worse for the clan because an important family ritual is only days away. Iris, as the oldest daughter, is now responsible for performing the ritual. Rose, on the other hand, is disgusted by the family’s history and wants nothing to do with it. The annual ritual turns out to be murder and consumption of a person that they’ve kidnapped and locked away in a cave like cellar under Frank’s work shed. The town’s doctor, Doc Barrow, becomes suspicious when he finds a bone in the creek one day. Having lost his own daughter after she mysteriously disappeared and the town’s high missing persons rate, Doc Barrow and Deputy Anders begin to follow the clues that lead back to the Parkers.  How the family reacts and responds is both thrilling and unsettling.

Favorite moment – The first act moves along nicely while the second act slows down a bit too much. I love the intensity and suspense that drives the third act to its thrilling conclusion. 

Rose...

Rose and Iris

Dinner time for Rose, Frank, and Iris