Horror Meets Socio-Political Drama in Unique Twist

Read Time:3 Minute, 14 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Blackout
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): Larry Fessenden
Writer(s): Larry Fessenden
Cast: Alex Hurt, Addison Timlin, Motell Gyn Foster, Joseph Castillo-Midyett, Ella Rae Peck, Rigo Garay, John Speredakos, Michael Buscemi, Joe Swanberg, James Le Gros, Kevin Corrigan, Barbara Crampton
Where To Watch: Fantasia 2023 Film Festival – premiered July 20, 2023; national digital/VOD rollout on April 12, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Let’s dive into lycanthropy as we journey into the unique and compelling world of Larry Fessenden’s BLACKOUT. We experience firsthand a story where a Fine Arts painter is convinced he is a werewolf. What could go wrong?

Our adventure begins in the deceptive calm of Talbot Falls, an idyllic locale nestled in upstate New York. Here, we find Charley (Alex Hurt,) a local artist who transforms a motel room into his creative refuge. But this tranquility doesn’t last long, as a chain of frightful killings, driven by Charley’s “curse,” begins to unravel the peaceful facade.

We’re soon introduced to the nemesis in our plot: the morally bankrupt mogul, Hammond. Marshall Bell’s portrayal carries a devilish charisma, making his character a worthy adversary. Our hero, Charley, finds himself embroiled in a bitter fight against Hammond’s unethical ventures, even as he seeks reconciliation with his ex-love, Sharon (Addison Timlin), who has more in common with his enemy than anyone would expect. An escalating tide of prejudice emerges as an innocent worker is wrongfully implicated in the brutal murders.

One full moon becomes the ultimate turning point when Miguel (Rigo Garay) is painted as the monster responsible. Despite Miguel’s claims about a ‘man-wolf’ and all of the evidence in the world pointing elsewhere, Hammond’s character still focuses his investigation on him. Charley causes a storm of events to be unleashed in the quiet town. He works to clear Miguel’s name and sought assistance from his trusted confidante, Earl (Motell Gyn Foster), even hiring the legal expertise of attorney Kate (Barbara Crampton).

Larry Fessenden interlaces time-honored horror motifs and contemporary socio-political issues in BLACKOUT to spotlight the evils of avarice, corruption, and violence. The narrative surges beyond the parameters of a standard horror movie, delving into the depths of ecological concerns and societal fears. Shrouded in desolation and guilt, Charley bears the weight of his impending self-destruction throughout his sorrow-laden journey. With traits echoing divisive political figures… Hammond exploits racial tensions for his gain. Meanwhile, Talbot Falls serves as a symbolic microcosm of the divisive strife seen in modern America.

As the film hurtles towards its climax, Charley embarks on a path to self-redemption and acceptance and seeks solace in setting right his past sins. BLACKOUT melds horror and social commentary into a layered, introspective narrative that echoes Fessenden’s direction. This isn’t merely a horror flick; it’s a mirror held up to society, revealing the beasts lurking within our collective conscience.

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[photo courtesy of YELLOW VEIL PICTURES/GLASS EYE PIX]

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