The Exorcist, Poltergeist, The Twilight Zone, and scores of other film productions have been the home to cursed sets. Writer/Director Chris Shane Sanders (Nest of Vampires) takes this mythology to the next level in his latest film, The Haunted Studio. Sanders brings his terrific shooting style along with a talented cast including, Hans Hernke (Todd,) Bai Ling (The Crow,) Amber Doig-Throne (Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey,) and Jon-Paul Gates (Alice in Terrorland.) The acclaimed director along with his experienced cast attempts to bring an all too real fright film to the Horror Nation in this supernatural thriller.
Shortly after the death of her mother, Catherine has moved into a makeshift home, which also serves as a film studio, with her uncle Gerald and his mysterious new fiancée Mila. Upon hearing of Catherine’s family tragedy, Peter travels to meet up and check on his old university friend. After being warned by a vagrant and shortly after meeting Catherine’s eccentric uncle, Peter is suspicious that something is suspiciously awkward within the walls of the peculiar domain. Peter is proven right as new guests go missing, strange noises rattle the home, and the history of this haunt is revealed.
Sanders presents a slow burn demonic fright fest that takes the audience into the front row of a theatre performance. Hernke and Gates play off of each other with dialogue and expressive performances that are worthy of Broadway. Fresh off of the smash hit Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, Throne carries the narrative with a strong dramatic showing. The plot does get a bit long in the tooth at times, but the bite at the end is worth holding on for the ride. The Haunted Studio is a refreshing old-world tale that is masterfully crafted into the modern era.
Scream Score: 7.1/10
(The Haunted Studio is now streaming on Tubi)