SCREAMFEST Thrillers are International

 

Jeri Jacquin

As Screamfest continues through the week, more films are chilling audiences and there are quite a few that come from other countries as well as the United States.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH comes from Belgium with director Veronique Jasin, Voo, BeTV and Velvet Films. Ines (Jasmina Douieb) works for EcoCleanPro company for over seventeen years and today, intern Melody (Laetitia Mampaka) will be joining her in the office.  

Also in the office are Jean-Paul (Achille Ridolfi), Jean-Pierre (Christophe Bourdon), Nico (Alex Vizorek) and boss Patrick (Peter Van Den Begin) and they make sure it is known that the men dominate this company.

Anna Nilsson (Laurence Bibot) is not on the side of Ines either and that could be a problem too. As Ines learns that she is once again being turned down for a raise while everyone else gets one, she becomes more and more agitated.  The men continue to make cracks about being a woman and Ines is beginning to see red and Melody knows it.

What happens when the bitch-button is finally pushed? Well, mayhem, madness and murder – my three favorite things in a thriller. Douieb as Inez is wonderful play the meek and quite overworked and underpaid employee of the company. However, something is slowly happening to the meek mouse and the office is about to find out how far she will go.

Mampaka as Melody is watching the change of Inez right before her eyes. She is also thoroughly disgusted by the men in the office and wonders why she tolerates it. Once boss Patrick gets his due, Melody finds herself in the middle of it all. Mampaka’s character seems to go with the flow and although a bit disturbed, its not enough to stop helping Inez.

There is nothing like watching someone do what we all kind of think of doing and that’s cleaning the office up – Inez just takes it to the max. It also works out well that she knows everything about the cleaning company which fascinates Melody and cracks me up.

More of the cast include Ingrid Heiderscheidt, Philippe Resimont, Philippe Grand’Henry, Blaise Ludik, Sebastian Moradiellos, Thomas Ancora and beloved fish Jean-Philippe VII.  

THE REVELATION comes from the Netherlands and director Chris W. Mitchell, Tailor-Made Films, NL Film Fonds, Make Way Films and Premiere TV Distributions. It is the story of Jacob (Victor Low), a man who believes that he must move in with his elderly Mother (Leny Breederveld) in order to protect her from the Corona virus that is sweeping the world.

He helps around the house, does some of the shopping and spends time on his computer keeping up to date with what is happening. Wanting to go outside and get some fresh air, Jacob fights her at every turn letting her know that his job is to keep her from becoming infected.

Sister Magda (Monic Hendrickx) facility with senior citizens which sets Jacob on edge making it clear that she is not allowed an in-person visit with their mother. Something is happening to him as well; he begins to change and his mother can see it. When he suspects that his mother is ill, it sets off his madness even more.

The ending is shocking!

Low as Jacob takes us into this world where Corona virus seems to be the outward reason for staying with his mother but there is something so much deeper happening. He gives us the changes in his personality slowly but, at the same time, the madness resonates with those who could not handle the quarantine.

Breederveld as Ma at first goes along with Jacob’s staying with her but as the days go on, she wants her life back. Imagine that? She sees what the quarantine is doing to her son and does not know how to help other than let him have his alone time with the computer and stay out of his way. Breederveld is so sweet and understanding but even as a mom, that can only go so far.

Hendrickx as Magda wants to see her mother and tries to understand her brother’s motives. She also notices the change that is happening in him, especially when she visits.

Finally, from the United States and writer/director Eric Pennycoff, Arrow Video and Doomcroak Pictures is THE LEECH. Father David (Graham Skipper) tries to tend to his very small flock who come to hear his sermons. The one person who sees how hard he is trying is Rigo (Rigo Garay) and they work on music together

After a sermon one evening, Terry (Jeremy Gardner) tries to catch a nap on the pews but is told he really needs to go. The next morning, Father David sees Terry again and offers to help him get to his girl Lexie (Taylor Gardner). Trying to explain that his life is dedicated to God, Terry tries to grasp it.

When Terry cannot find Lexie and has no place else to go, Father David does the Christian thing and offers him a room in his home. It all turns fairly quickly when Terry brings Lexie into the home as well. Father David tries to continue to be kind but things start to get out of hand and his vows are starting to fall to the wayside.

Everything starts to become twisted and the sermon takes on a whole different horrible tone!

Skipper as Father David is straight forward and wants only to be a good person. Trying to help Terry and Lexie becomes more complicated than he could have ever realized. Skipper does a great job at keeping us guessing!

Jeremy G. as Terry has a lifestyle that just does not seem to jibe with the patient Father. He pushes every boundary he can and makes no excuses for who he is. Gardner takes his character and just runs away with no limits except the ones the Father is about to place on him! Taylor G. tries to break away but at the same time falls into everything that boyfriend Terry wants to do – so it’s a matter of who is using who?

Garay as Rigo loves making music and believes that Father David can help him. He believes something is wrong with Terry and Lexie and can’t get him to listen.

Three thrillers that go from Corona virus to being an unappreciated employee to testing the religious limits. There is something for everyone so pick your poison, grab a tub of popcorn and see what trouble looks like from all around the world!

Screamfest Continues the Frights with FOLLOW HER and more

 

Jeri Jacquin

Screamfest is bringing more films to the screen and adding more jumps and chills with its bevvy of the thing we love most – thrillers!

FOLLOW HER by director Sylvia Caminer, writer Dani Barker and Classified Films brings the story of a woman who learns how quickly the tables can turn. Barker plays Jess Peters, a woman who is trying to get her foot in the door as an actress by making her living posting videos of clients and their particular lifestyles.

When Dad Richard (Mark Moses) drops the bomb that the apartment she is living in is going to be sold. Jess begins to panic knowing she needs to find a job that pays very well. That’s when she applies for a writing position. She is excited when Tom B. (Luke Cook) answers and sets up a time for them to meet.

Being cautious, Jess asks friend Kai to go along as sort of backup at the meeting. When that falls through, Jess goes anyway to meet the very handsome Tom and they hit it off immediately. All along the way Jess is documenting what she is doing through social media trying to break the top ten spot.

Going to his cabin in the woods, she comes to a barn but on the inside, it is a beautiful home. Finding a niche in the fireplace, Jess sets up a very small video camera so that her followers can see everything that is happening. Then, things take a turn as Jess is now face to face with a man who has his own agenda – and it is going to go as far as he can take it!

Barker as Jess and Cook as Tom are stunning together playing off one another. It seems like a harmless situation that is filled with attraction but that is the game. As each bit of the story goes on, the question remains – who is playing who? The back and forth between these two actors as the story unfolds is riveting to watch.

Other cast includes Cristala Carter as Detective Carter, Brian Vincent as Matt, Justin L. Wilson as Bryan, Lorraine Farris as Irina, Maayan Laufer as Talia, and Chris Gaunt as Robert.

FOLLOW HER is a lesson not just in the dangers of social media but the effect it has on those who are being streamed and those who think there should be justice for those who abuse technology. Jess believes she is in control of her life but it can all be flipped on a dime and she learns that lesson the hard way.

Then, there is DO NOT DISTURB which is a lesson in relationships from writer/director John Ainslie, 1984 Pictures, Bunk 11 Pictures, and Rechna Varma Productions. Chloe (Kimberly Laferriere) and new husband Jack (Rogan Christopher) are on their honeymoon at an adult resort. Wanting to get away, there is tension between the couple from the moment they arrive.

While waiting for their room they meet Wendy (Janet Porter and husband Wayne (Christian McKenna) who are a happy couple who want to have fun. Jack wants to indulge in fun as Chloe reminds him that this is one of the heavy reasons their relationship is in trouble. He reminds his wife that once upon a time they use to love having fun.

Giving in, Chloe decides to join Wendy and Wayne and let loose and that’s where the madness begins. Waking up after a binge, the couple begins questioning everything! Deciding to go sit on the beach, they are met by a total stranger who throws drugs at them and ranting nonsense. Jack sees it as a financial upgrade and a chance to really have some fun.

There fun begins to change when waiting up with blood and no memory of what happened and it is not going to stop there. The madness reaches a whole new level where surviving becomes everything.

Laferriere and Christopher’s characters are already having problems and marriage should have been the last thing they did in life. Chloe is ready to be a mom and Jack is afraid to say he isn’t ready to be a dad. Instead, he wants to enjoy life, sit in the sun and have no worries. That irritates Chloe to no end so giving in seems easier than standing her ground.

When the madness begins, they can not stop and take it further and further until the shocking conclusion.

Other cast include Rupinder Nagra, Patrick McNeil, Trish Rainone, Jimmie Chiverelli, and Rebeka Herron.

DO NOT DISTURB is a roller coaster of relationship emotions filled with believing this couple wants one thing yet they are doing the exact opposite. Once Chloe decides to give in and allow Jack to indulge, she joins in and each step they take brings them closer and closer to the brink of madness.  Well done!

The Short Film WITCHY is a charming look at the literal witching hour as a dad Ken (John Bowie) and daughter Winter (Christine Weatherup) are going through changes. She is a young girl who feels she is outgrowing the family tradition and experiencing a break-up with boyfriend JJ.

Making a deal, they agree to go do a little trick or treating so that she can go to a party and maybe work things out with JJ. Knocking on the first door, it is answered by Francie who overhears the teens plight and invites them in for something special and a visit from Joe (Sean Wright).

What happens next changes what the teen thinks about the importance of family! The film is written, directed, cast and produced by Liz Manashil.

Screamfest continues to bring films to the festival that are thought provoking, terrifying, twisted and turned to keep the viewer on their toes. It isn’t over either so stay tuned for more!

Screamfest Unleashes THE DOMESTIC

 

Jeri Jacquin

Showing at Screamfest from writer/director Bradley Katzen and Level 3 Entertainment is the look at finding good housekeeping with THE DOMESTIC.

Kat (Thuli Thabethe) and husband Tumi (Tumisho Masha) are a busy power couple that do not have time for the domesticity of life. For year their housekeeper Martha took care of their home but recently passed. At the funeral they reacquaint with Martha’s daughter Blessing (Amanda Du-Pont) now that she is all grown up.

Kat invites the young woman to come by their home to retrieve her mother’s belongings, Kat and Tumi decide to ask Blessing if she wants to try at the position of their housekeeper. Eager to accept, Blessing takes up her mother’s old room and settles in. Quickly a few things become clear, Blessing is not a very good cook and she practices the rituals of the ancestors.

Deciding to give her thirty days to improve, Kat becomes upset when she witnesses Blessing doing a cleansing ritual in the home. She is upset because Kat takes medication that keeps her own ancestral gifts dormant.

Things begins to take odd twists and turns as Blessing situates herself in the home. Husband Tumi begins to have more success at work but Kat is still uncomfortable but can not explain why. Then everything turns upside down as it becomes clear what is happening but, more importantly, why it is happening and only Kat can stop it.

Thabethe as Kat is a woman trying to forget where she has come from and the beliefs that even her mother embraces. Instead, she drugs herself into living into this world she has created with her husband. It isn’t until Blessing shows up does Kat realize that you can run but you can’t hide.

Masha as Tumi is a husband going through tough times at work but also worrying about his wife. Trying to give Blessing an opportunity to succeed, he does not see what Kat does and brushes it away as his wife being a big jealous of the new domestic. Is that the case? See for yourself.

Du-Pont as Blessing is shy, demure and keenly aware of who and what Kat is capable of. Watching her move in and out of the spiritual world with ease keeps her below the radar of what she is really up to. She is so good at being so very bad.

THE DOMESTIC is a film from South Africa and falls beautifully in the horror film genre. It is slow in its telling but that makes the ending much more delicious. There is not a lot of outside scenery to take away from the story that writer/director Katzen is telling. Instead, he lets the actors take their characters and run like thoroughbreds!

Taking the ancestral story of a healer against a person that just wants power for the sake of power, the confrontation between Kat and Blessing is inevitable and I could literally not wait for that to happen. Well done to all!

In the end – home is where the horror is!

SCREAMFEST Bring Everything We Love About Horror

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently bringing fans to the largest and longest running horror festival is Screamfest Horror Film Festival! Beginning October 11^th, the festival is being held at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood.

Screamfest showcases American and international independent horror filmmakers and has been known to launch careers of filmmakers. The entries include such categories as Best Feature, Cinematography, Special Effects, Musical Score, Editing and Directing. It also has special categories for Best Student Film, Best Short, Best Documentary and Best Animation.

Starting Screamfest on Wednesday for me is the Well Go USA feature film THE LONELIEST BOY IN THE WORLD. Director Martin Owen brings the story written by Piers Ashworth of Oliver (Max Harwood), a young man who has seen plenty of death in his short life. He is the target of a high school bully but that does not stop him from noticing Chloe (Tallulah Haddon).

Visiting his mother’s grave, he decides he needs a family and begins his nighttime diggings of a new mother Susanne (Susan Wokoma), a new dad Frank (Ben Miller), a new little sister Mel (Zenobia Williams) and even a new ‘family’ dog! Keeping them away from the living is the challenge but, with the spooky holidays near, no one questions the people living with Max.

Learning from them, Max becomes more confident, surer of himself and finds that he is far more capable that he could have ever imagined. That’s what a good family can do for you – who cares if they are – well, different.

In the end – they’re dying to be his friend!

The cast did such an amazing job telling this very twisted story filled with everything you would want in a heart-warming family tale with a zombie twist. Nothing wrong with mixing the genres, especially when you get something as cool as THE LONLIEST BOY IN THE WORLD.

Then, for a bit more horror, is the film 8 FOUND DEAD! Director Travis Greene with writer Jonathan Buchanan bring the story of the perils of a trip to a town B&B. Jessie (Jenny Tran) is headed toward her family’s B&B to get ready for the next batch of guests. That would be Sam (Alisha Soper), Dwayne (Gabriel Grier), Ricky (Eddy Acosta) and Carrie (Aly Trasher).

Arriving first, Carrie and Ricky are met by Richard (Tim Simek) and Liz (Rosanne Limeres) who tell the first couple that there must be a mix up as they booked the B&B. Later, Sam and Dwayne show up and go through the same story of a mix up. Who is telling the truth and who are Richard and Liz?

Officers Blake Miller (Laura Buckles) and soon to be ex-husband Bobby Miller (Patrick Rieger) are about to enter a house of madness. Trying to piece together what is going on, they find themselves part of the mystery.

Okay, this is one where I am not saying anything except – hang on to your B&B confirmations and make sure you have a cell signal for gawd’s sake! The filming is basically kept to and around the B&B and I liked that. It keeps the viewer focused on what is happening and listening to everyone tell their side of things. Richard and Liz are exceptional in their roles and now I’m going to zip it. See it!

In the end – f*ck who dunnit, it’s who survives!

Also playing on Wednesday is the feature DEER CAMP ’86, THE LEECH and THE REVELATION. More to come on Thursday!