(We Summon The Darkness 2020)
The 1980’s saw a wave of satanic paranoia spread thru the United States, mostly in the Midwest, resulting from a slew of ritualistic murders and the popularity of dark art based heavy metal. Such is the plot and setting of “We Summon The Darkness.” Three girls set out on a road trip to see metal rock superstars Soldiers of Satan. Before the concert, the trio befriend three male metal heads and afterwards the group heads back to one of the girl’s parent’s house for an implied naughty nightcap. Thru radio, television, and conversations from the sextuplet, we are let in on a wave of satanic ritual killings spreading thru the entire country. Before long, some of the cast quickly realize they are about to be part of the news that has captivated the nation. “We Summon The Darkness,” could play out like any teenagers being punished for sinning film we have all seen time and time again, but depth and originality decorate the entire piece. Director Mark Myers (My Friend Dahmer) does a fantastic job delivering the plot in two well-paced acts. While most horror fans will think they see the reveal miles away, Myers keeps the viewer guessing until the cast decides to let us in on the big secret. Once we are in on the plot, Myers delivers with an action-packed thrill ride that carries thru the last frame.
Alexandra Daddario does a fine job as the lead of the film but Maddie Hasson steals the screen with her performance as the “wild child” of the group. Johnny Knoxville shines with an extended cameo as well, showing range with an out of character performance as a hardline religious preacher. It is director Myers who really makes this film worth the watch. From the cars to the interior décor of the house in act two, the setting could easily be mistaken for being shot in the 80’s. Several unexpected surprises that show up keep the film from being a straightforward boar torture piece and add dramatic effect to the main plot. The mass hysteria and mind manipulative religious subtext to the film add to the depth of the story. “We Summon The Darkness,” is a terrific film that not only entertains but will make the viewer question how perceptions of people are manipulated and only skin deep.
Scream Score: 8.5/10
(SATANIC PANIC 2019)
Being successful and powerful thru worshiping the devil and his minions have long been a popular theory thru film and literature for centuries. “Satanic Panic,” gives us a modern take on this old worn tale. Samantha, (Hayley Griffith) is just getting back on her feet at her first day on the job as a pizza delivery driver. A late call comes in for a drop off at an elitist neighborhood, notorious for being cheap tippers. Once Samantha gets stiffed on the tip, she decides to sneak into the private party and get her just due. Samantha get the reward of being a sacrificial virgin to bring forth a demon that will help the coven of worshipers take over the world. After an initial escape, Samantha plays a cat and mouse game thru vastly manicured lawns that surround perfect modern mansions. She befriends Judi, (Ruby Modine) who is a superstar Wiccan and daughter of the head of the coven (Rebecca Romijn.) Together Samantha and Judi fight off an evil pot roast, supernatural bedspreads, and a goofy group of satanic stooges. “Satanic Panic” is a fun film that gets in its own way. Writers Ted Geoghegan and Grady Hendrix could not make up their minds to have thisfilm be a comedy or a serious horror film. Filled with great one liners and overthe top effects this work would have played better as a straight comedichorror piece. Samantha’s backstory and great horror scenes such as the skinseal leave the audience wanting more of a darker story. The completely ridiculousending is neither clever nor well thought out and is a perfect personification thatno one knew exactly what to do with this film. Horror fans will have a goodtime watching this film, but in the end their heads will be spinning quickerthan a possessed young girl.
Scream Score: 7.5/10
(THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL 2009)
Director Ti West gave the horror nation a super satanic slow burn masterpiece with “The House of the Devil.” Samantha is a college student in desperate need of housing and struggling to come up with funds. After seeing an ad on campus for a babysitting gig, she jumps at the opportunity. After arriving at a creepy manor and meeting an even creepier new boss, Samantha nearly abandons the quick cash under advisement from her best friend and ride for the night, Megan. Deciding to stay under odd circumstances, Samantha slowly unravels the true nature of her overnight assignment and the horrific scenario surrounding the home in conjunction with a rare lunar eclipse. Slow burn films that keep the audience glued to the screen are a rare occasion. Too often a director will try to be too clever and mush too much dialogue with long draughts of over the top art house shots. Mr. West gives a masterful education on how to do it right. Shot in glorious 16mm, the style of the film in and of itself is stunning. From the hairstyles of the young women to the phone attached to the wall, no 80’s detail is left unturned. The pacing of the film is sublime, a slow burn yes, but each minor detail and subtle hint at impending horror is delivered to perfection. Lead actress Jocelin Donahue puts in a perfect performance as the lovable Samantha and grabs the audience’s empathy from the jump. Tom Noonan and Mary Woronov show off their veteran professionalism with eloquent horror playing the creepy Ulman couple. Perfectly shot, paced, acted, this film nearly got a coveted ten out of ten score if not for the final frame of the film which disappoints. A proper ending happens in the next to last frame, but for some reason the director went for an extension and it misses the mark, much like eating a perfect steak and having the last bite come off raw. Despite the very last shot, “The House of the Devil” easily falls into the top fifty horror films of all time and can rock the cradle of “Rosemary’s Baby” as best satanic cult-based film ever.
Scream Score: 9.7/10