For a TV movie, this is a creepy little tale. Lack of budget in TV movies was more of an incitement, rather than a hindrance. It forced the companies and writers to enrich the storyline with imagination and twists to maintain the viewers' interest. There's also a plethora of talent. Not all the best actors are movie stars. That is the case with this film.
There are a nice few twists in the tale, such as it not being the fated couple who originally inherit the farm. I can tell you this as it's not too pivotal in the story and it's right at the start. It goes to show the writer John McGreevey liked to add little details. The original heir, Henry Pearson, who has big ideas on running the farm, doesn't make it to the property... he's killed in an accident on the journey. This passes the land and buildings onto the next cousin, Maggie Carey Porter.
The neighbours and townsfolk instantly welcome Maggie, and her husband Ben, into their fold. Their lives swiftly become a blur of parties and celebrations as they become the talk of the town. Life, for them, blossoms into idyllic perfection.
Once settled and comfortable, the couple aid a neighbour. They open hearts and home to her daughter, Jennifer. No sooner has she moved in than things take a cannily insidious twist. Jennifer has an unhealthy attraction to Ben. Which makes uncomfortable viewing. However, it's only the start of the enigma of Crowhaven.
Walter Grauman handles the direction well enough. It is your usual television fare. A few lighting effects and camera angles wouldn't have gone amiss. He uses a couple of point of view shots, looking from the ground upwards. That works well. However, a tad more imagination would have empowered the atmosphere greater. The pace is also pedestrian. It's like a promenade through a park. Sometimes he ambles, other times he strolls. A mix of tempos would have helped to build and create stronger tension and atmosphere. It's the power of the story that carries the emotion most.
I cannot fault the acting. If you look at the cast list, you'll see some familiar names. If you don't recognise the name, then you'll probably know the faces - unless you're too young, in which case let me state this is a very good cast. Even John Carradine, who has hammed it up in other films, does a good job with his character. Though it's Cindy Eilbacher as Jennifer who stands out, especially in her scenes with Paul Burke as Ben Porter.
All the cast give their best and it shows as you never disbelieve them or the story. In all honesty, it's the story and the cast that make this movie worth watching and enjoyable to watch.
On that note, I would gladly recommend this film to all lovers of horror and the supernatural. Though if you're a gorehound, you must find another film for your fix. There's no blood in this one. This was the perfect starter film for my Friday Night is Fright Night Filmfest. It set me up perfectly for a darker slice of the macabre.
Ratings: Story 1.5 : Direction 1.25 : Pace 1 : Acting 1.25 : Enjoyment 1.25 : Total 6.25 / 10
Journey over to my Absolute Horror list and see where I've ranked this witchy tale.
Take Care and Stay Well.
There are a nice few twists in the tale, such as it not being the fated couple who originally inherit the farm. I can tell you this as it's not too pivotal in the story and it's right at the start. It goes to show the writer John McGreevey liked to add little details. The original heir, Henry Pearson, who has big ideas on running the farm, doesn't make it to the property... he's killed in an accident on the journey. This passes the land and buildings onto the next cousin, Maggie Carey Porter.
The neighbours and townsfolk instantly welcome Maggie, and her husband Ben, into their fold. Their lives swiftly become a blur of parties and celebrations as they become the talk of the town. Life, for them, blossoms into idyllic perfection.
Once settled and comfortable, the couple aid a neighbour. They open hearts and home to her daughter, Jennifer. No sooner has she moved in than things take a cannily insidious twist. Jennifer has an unhealthy attraction to Ben. Which makes uncomfortable viewing. However, it's only the start of the enigma of Crowhaven.
Walter Grauman handles the direction well enough. It is your usual television fare. A few lighting effects and camera angles wouldn't have gone amiss. He uses a couple of point of view shots, looking from the ground upwards. That works well. However, a tad more imagination would have empowered the atmosphere greater. The pace is also pedestrian. It's like a promenade through a park. Sometimes he ambles, other times he strolls. A mix of tempos would have helped to build and create stronger tension and atmosphere. It's the power of the story that carries the emotion most.
I cannot fault the acting. If you look at the cast list, you'll see some familiar names. If you don't recognise the name, then you'll probably know the faces - unless you're too young, in which case let me state this is a very good cast. Even John Carradine, who has hammed it up in other films, does a good job with his character. Though it's Cindy Eilbacher as Jennifer who stands out, especially in her scenes with Paul Burke as Ben Porter.
All the cast give their best and it shows as you never disbelieve them or the story. In all honesty, it's the story and the cast that make this movie worth watching and enjoyable to watch.
On that note, I would gladly recommend this film to all lovers of horror and the supernatural. Though if you're a gorehound, you must find another film for your fix. There's no blood in this one. This was the perfect starter film for my Friday Night is Fright Night Filmfest. It set me up perfectly for a darker slice of the macabre.
Ratings: Story 1.5 : Direction 1.25 : Pace 1 : Acting 1.25 : Enjoyment 1.25 : Total 6.25 / 10
Journey over to my Absolute Horror list and see where I've ranked this witchy tale.
Take Care and Stay Well.