Tackling your first full feature film is a daunting enough task. Throw in an unprecedented international pandemic and most productions, from indie to studio, would and have, shelved their projects. Admirably, the team at Schwestern Sky Films went through hell and back to complete and release their debut film, “The Embalmers.” Indie scream queen, Rebecca Rinehart (Frightvision) helms the project and takes co-writer credits alongside Rob Mello (Happy Death Day) and Diane Franker (There’s An Alien in My Backyard!) The trio deliver a unique and creative tale involving a mortuary run by a family that are supernatural masters of the macabre.
In the rural town of Morgan County, the Quint family has run the local funeral parlor for decades. Mae, Lottie, and Cy, not only use their gifts to console the families of the deceased, but also dish out justice for those who have come to them under unnatural circumstances. As the body count rises and a rival family turns down a dark path, the Quints must use both their physical and spiritual talents to bring peace to the community.
Director Rinehart has filled her resume as an actress over the last two years, she has obviously not only studied the craft of directing but taken note from the numerous directors she has worked for. Rinehart’s continuity and shot selection are displayed to near perfection. From panning shots to close up to wide out framing, “The Embalmers” flows visually like a studio produced production. The performances are all professional with Alyss Winkler standing out from the crowd with a spirited and enthusiastic portrayal of Lottie. Young actress Jonni Shandor not only brings spunk and comedy to her first film but performs shockingly professional dramatic scenes with the ease of a seasoned actress. The choice to play some B-roll sounds over a few scenes, which does more to interrupt dialogue rather than create a tense atmosphere, is the only standout error in an otherwise fantastic shoot. “The Embalmers” plays as a dark soap opera, the perfect film to enjoy on a raining afternoon. Not only can the film be admired for its professional looking product, shot on a micro-budget, but the entire team should take a bow for fighting through unparalleled adversity to get their passion project released. Far from a one and done production, Schwestern are currently in pre-production on their next project, “Tin Roof.” Another original concept, that will put a new twist on the killer at a camp motif.
Scream Score: 7.8/10