bloody hats festival
FFilm: The Night of the Harvest
Direcror: Ryan Callaway
"The Night of the Harvest," directed and written by Ryan Callaway, features a talented ensemble cast, including Ella Bennett, Kristin Macke, Ariella Mossey, Kailee McGuire, Brianna Hauser, Maya Pencakowski, Adrian Espinal, and Sofia Dean. The film seeks to entertain and provoke contemplation, immersing the audience in a captivating atmosphere blending horror and astonishment to unveil mysteries and unexplored realms.
However, it's important to highlight certain aspects at the beginning of the film that may impact the viewing experience. The cinematography initially creates more tension than suspense, and the introductory section before the titles might disrupt subsequent tension rather than build anticipation for horror. The pacing of events and editing may feel disconnected from the overall composition. Additionally, the motivations of the characters are not always clear, leaving insufficient time for the audience to deeply connect with them.
In this context, it's noticeable that there's a lack of emotional intensity when the actress injures her leg on a stone. This scene could benefit from a more pronounced emotional response to make the audience empathize with the character's pain and distress.
Despite these considerations, the film offers an aesthetically pleasing sequence in the cornfield during the initial titles. However, some actors' reactions may seem disproportionate to the events, with emotional responses appearing misaligned with the actions portrayed. For instance, natural reactions to certain events might be expected to be more intense.
Nevertheless, the film manages to sustain tension for about half an hour after viewing, gradually developing trust in the unfolding events on the screen. Particularly commendable is the creation of tension during a sunny day, even inducing a sense of sunstroke.
One notable aspect adding vivid variety to the film is the murder scenes involving unconventional items, such as the mop. These instances contribute a unique and unexpected element to the narrative, enhancing the overall experience for the audience.
In summary, "The Night of the Harvest" presents itself as a multifaceted cinematic experience with elements of horror and reflection. While it may have its nuances and demands patience in understanding certain plot elements, the film stands out in the horror genre, leaving viewers with a mixed sense of unease and admiration.
01 March 2024 Bloody Hats Team
Film: Ghostly Jacket Triune
Director: Jaxsonian Jacques Rousseau
Ghostly Jacket Triune of amateur horror films is a stunning adventure into the world of ghosts and human fears. Created without a budget, these films skillfully capture the spirit of the genre and show that it doesn't always take a huge cinematic device to create thrilling horror. Apart from the story, all the films share a particular style such as first-person live shooting and documentary quality, as well as a specific combination of graphic and analog effects. It refers us to such cult horror films in the mocumentary genre as The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity where these techniques were used
Ghostly Jacket
The first part of a trilogy sets the tone and tells how a loser becomes a ghost seeking revenge. The script is highly original and the movie is unexpectedly richer in characters than one might expect. The editing and lighting give away its low budget, but that only adds to the movie's authenticity. The tension level is constantly rising, and the audience is in for some exciting plot twists
Ghostly Jacket Returns
In this part the ghost not only takes revenge but also engages in a deadly manhunt. This movie raises the stakes and introduces higher quality special effects such as the spherical vision of the ghost. This makes the murders more realistic and horrifying. The audience then realizes that there are many such jackets and they all prey on people. The question of morality and consequences for the main characters is also raised, which adds depth to the story
Ghostly Jacket Incursion
The final part of the triune brings the completion and resolution of all the mysteries started in the previous movies. It deceptively begins in the trailer pointing to a road movie but then after the opening credits the director returns to his special style already familiar to the viewer. It offers a satisfying ending for the characters and their story without giving in to suspense and horror. The plot becomes more complex and the audience will remain in excitement until the very end. However, the final shot of the jacket makes you think that someone will pick it up and the story will continue
Special mention should be made of the unusually filmed car crashes which are present in all three parts. If in the first part the accident is shown with the help of montage, in the following parts the shooting of miniatures and computer graphics is added. This indicates the director's passion for filming destruction art. The skillful combination of montage, sound and effects makes the crashes believable
The accuracy of the selected music is amazing. It appears exactly when it is needed and sets the right accents in creating the atmosphere of suspense
Overall, Ghostly Jacket Triune boasts a fascinating and original approach to the horror genre, despite the lack of a professional crew. These films will appeal to those who are looking for something new in the world of horror and are ready to succumb to the atmosphere of fear and the unknown
22 September 2023 Bloody Hats Film Festival
Review
Film: Appointment with The Plague Doctor, Lester Haywood Director: L.S. Strange
The Plague Doctor short film, despite all its flaws, shows a commendable effort to create a unique horror film characterized by creativity and willingness to experiment with traditional cinematic techniques.
The movie is divided into two distinctive parts, each with its own style and mood. The first part, rendered in black and white and accompanied by a suspenseful soundtrack, effectively conveys the creepy atmosphere. The lack of dialogue may cause some viewers to want a deeper connection to the narrative, but it must be acknowledged that the film's deliberate choice of visual storytelling helps immerse the viewer in the disturbing world it depicts. The main character breaks the fourth wall by looking directly into the camera, which enhances the effect of presence. The use of imaginative techniques and unique costumes adds to the authenticity of the setting, showing the filmmakers' desire to recreate a certain unsettling atmosphere that prepares the viewer for the second half of the movie.
The transition to color immediately draws the viewer's attention. There is a mysterious disappearance of a man in this part, which adds to the intrigue and suspense built up in the first part. While the use of color adds a new level of visual engagement, it would have been interesting to see a little more consistency in the cinematography to fully tie the two parts together.
The amateur nature of the movie is most evident in the technical aspects, where shaky cameras and uneven sound quality are sometimes found. However, these flaws add to the charm of an amateur movie. It is evident that the creators worked within their means and used their creativity to overcome the limitations, resulting in a project that genuinely reflects their passion for filmmaking.
One of the hallmarks of The Plague Doctor is the film's willingness to experiment with the conventions of storytelling. By opting for silence in the first part and disappearance in the second, the film defies traditional dialogic narrative and relies on visual and emotional cues to convey the story. This experimental approach, while not always flawless in execution, brings an element of intrigue to the movie that takes it beyond the standard horror film.
In conclusion, The Plague Doctor is an amateur short film that deserves recognition for its ambitious attempt at creating a unique horror film. Despite technical flaws that cannot be ignored, the movie shows passion, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. This movie is a reminder that innovation often comes from deviating from the norm, and even in its imperfections, The Plague Doctor manages to captivate audiences and give them an unforgettable viewing experience
22 August 2023
Bloody Hats Film Festival
Film: Don't Lose Faith Director: Brian Klewin
Review
Religion will always be one of the most important issues of humanity. In "Don't Lose Faith" the director examined it through the prism of the story of a young Latina woman facing a crisis of faith. This usually occurs during one of the periods of transition, and the protagonist is just at the crossroads.
The conflict faced by the main character emphasizes the complexity and intrigue associated with the search for truth in the obscure depths of belief. The film begins with the protagonist's fervent prayer in church, which shows us the power of her faith. This makes the ending that much more poignant. Of particular note is the profound metaphor in the biology lesson about the cyclical nature of life. The director asks the viewer whether it is possible to dissect and study God through experiments.
The film also touches on issues of growing up. The main character is a freshman in college and needs the approval of her classmates more than ever. Is it possible to stand up for your views and not go along with the crowd if you are in a precarious position? The director does not point us directly to the answers by lecturing us, but leaves these questions for the audience to reason with. In this way, the viewer becomes a co-creator and co-participant in the events
The director and crew are to be commended for creating an atmosphere filled with anxiety and uncertainty. The artwork and visual effects are also strengths of the film, which help create an intimidating atmosphere and emphasize the theme of religious study. The visual effects and make-up of the final scene are similar to classic B-movie techniques and this adds to the film's special charm. The overall work of the team with sound is also worth mentioning. The sound accents are very accurately placed and it enhances the immersion of the spectators into the story.
The acting also deserves a mention. The main actress embodies her character with emotional intensity, displaying inner conflict and fear of the unknown. She conveys the evolution of her character from initial belief, hesitation, and to immersion into the otherworld.
This picture combines elements of horror and psychological tension, offering viewers a thrilling journey into the dark world of the unknowable. Brian Klewin sets ambitious goals and his work is therefore of particular interest. We hope that in his next works he will explore these deep themes even more fully and look forward to the next films of his talented team