Format: YouTube 4k
Year: 2015
Label: Witching Season
Here we have a horror short from Writer/Director James Morris and producer Michael Ballif. This particular film is episode two of 'The Witching Season' series. Each film is a self contained short story.
From the outset, this film ticks all the right boxes. The opening titles set the mood perfectly, creepy Halloween decorations hang in the wind of a lonely looking street. There is a real sense of atmosphere. The retro titles and subtle music score really build anticipation.
A mother and young daughter arrive at a new house and immediately we are presented with a shot that is reminiscent of The Amityville Horror. The feeling of unease grows as we are introduced to the interior as the plot is slowly revealed.
The acting is solid with a stand out performance by Emily Broschinsky who plays the daughter. As the story progresses and we delve into the basement and there are genuine spine tingling moments, shock and horror and the music score really gets the heart racing.
The direction is top notch, the camera movement is elegant and the audio superbly mixed. The subtle film grain and colour grade adds just the right amount nostalgia and best of all it is presented in 4k, which really does look excellent.
Although the concept isn't anything new, what we do have is a very well executed, thoroughly engrossing and genuinely creepy short which utilises the best elements of films like Amityville, Poltergeist, Childsplay and one of my favorite hidden gems - Fallen.
All in all this is an excellent film made by a group of passionate filmmakers and that passion shines through on the screen. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series.
Release Rating: 9/10 - Excellent picture and audio.
Did James like it? Yes
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