Haunting New Orleans Nightmare

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Devils Left Hand
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Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Harley Wallen
Cast: Laurene Landon, Yan Birch, Kaiti Wallen, Aphrodite Nikolovski, Harley Wallen, Angelina Danielle Cama
Where To Watch: Watch for free on Tubi here www.tubitv.com

RAVING REVIEW: When you're in New Orleans, expect the unexpected, especially when a seemingly casual housewarming soirée unexpectedly transforms into an arena of ghostly occurrences. All thanks to Miss Vesna, portrayed by Aphrodite Nikolovski. As she steers the séance, the atmosphere shifts, and an uncanny force unfurls, shuffling its identity as though it's choosing outfits from a closet. As trust becomes a rare commodity among guests, one can't help but feel the atmospheric tension.

Harley Wallen, an actor and an enthusiastic director, enters the narrative's maze and explores the unknown. Even on what seems to be a shoestring budget, Wallen manages to extract some nail-biting moments that make the audience grip their seats. THE DEVIL'S LEFT HAND paints a stark silhouette, urging audiences to look closer at the offerings.

As the narrative expands, we follow Richie, brought to life by Kris Reilly. With a shadowy past involving his need to defend his mother, Sharon, from an ominous father figure, the film drops hints that this spectral menace might be closer to home than initially thought. The storyline keeps audiences guessing through its convoluted trials and turns while subtly nodding to age-old haunting chronicles.

The audio backdrop is surprisingly mesmerizing. Whether it's the murmur from unknown corners, the whimsical sounds of wind chimes, or echoing footsteps in a basement, the score and Michael Kettenbeil's cinematography create an immersive experience. Richie's dread resonates with every viewer as he clutches a baseball bat, becoming a tangible emblem of trepidation.

But horror isn't always about the eerie and the petrifying. Zebula, as played by Wallen, is our paranormal guide and infuses a dose of laughter, although often unintentionally. The film attempts to pay homage to classics so that THE DEVIL'S LEFT HAND taps into the essence of horror tales from bygone eras.

However, the narrative has its creases. There are moments where the pacing seems off, and the ambitious storyline sometimes overshadows the execution. Between explicit budgetary constraints, new actors who haven’t quite ironed out all their acting classes, and an uneven story, the film feels very much like the indie horror it is.

In wrapping up, THE DEVIL'S LEFT HAND is a great attempt to strike fear, reverence, and edge-of-the-seat moments into the audience. While it might not have hit all the right notes, some sequences shine brilliantly. If you’re a genre fan and enjoy indie flicks, this may be the one for you.

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[photo courtesy of PAINTED CREEK PRODUCTIONS]

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As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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