Shadows of the Past Resurface

Read Time:3 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Wineville
–

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Brande Roderick
Writer(s): Richard Schenkman
Cast: Brande Roderick, Texas Battle, Carolyn Hennesy, Casey King, Taylor Murphy-Sinclair, Chris Schellenger, Christie Nicole Chaplin, Keaton Roderick Cadrez
Where To Watch: in select theaters on September 6, 2024, and VOD/Digital and physical media on September 10

RAVING REVIEW: In the shadows of a once-thriving vineyard, Brande Roderick makes her directorial debut with a film that reaches deep into the soil of her 70s horror roots. WINEVILLE is a journey into the haunted realms of family secrets and the scars they leave behind. This psychological horror/thriller unwraps layers of generational trauma, set against the eerily quiet Galleano Winery, whose history mirrors the dark storyline it supports.

As the protagonist, Tess, Roderick portrays vulnerability and resilience. Returning to her family's vineyard, Tess encounters a world transformed by neglect and the sinister legacy of her abusive father. The vineyard, once a symbol of life and growth, now festers with rot and corruption, reflecting the emotional decay festering within her. This setting becomes a character, with each corner of the estate enhancing the chilling atmosphere that pervades the film.

A compelling element of WINEVILLE that adds depth to its narrative is the role of the supporting characters, who are each crafted to reflect aspects of Tess’ internal and external conflicts. The vineyard staff, portrayed with subtlety, embody the denial and complicity that often surround abusive dynamics in one's life. These characters serve as both foils and mirrors to Tess, highlighting her isolation and the challenging journey toward acknowledgment and action against the concealed atrocities of her past.

The narrative layers the personal struggle against abuse with broader themes of survival and the persistence of past demons. WINEVILLE explores the psychological horror genre by threading acute, unexpected horror moments with the slow, menacing reveal of psychological wounds. Roderick's dual role as director and lead actor adds authenticity to Tess’ ordeal as she navigates her past's physical and emotional scars.

This film moves beyond the clichés of horror to interrogate the cycle of abuse and the arduous path toward confronting and potentially overcoming such deeply entrenched trauma. Its cinematography effectively captures the oppressive mood of the vineyard, framing the narrative so that the audience can almost feel the weight of history bearing down on Tess. I would have liked to have seen the film offer a little less balance; I know this probably sounds odd, but the balance of the two distinct genres prevents you from ever entirely throwing yourself into either.

As Tess delves into the past, its grip tightens on her, suggesting that the shadows of our history are never too far behind, always ready to emerge when least expected. The conclusion of WINEVILLE is a powerful meditation on the enduring impact of trauma and the complex, often painful journey toward healing. It leaves viewers with lingering questions about the feasibility of ever truly escaping the shadows cast by our pasts.

Roderick’s approach results in a film that is as much a past reflection as a modern psychological exploration. WINEVILLE stands out for its narrative and visual storytelling. It is a unique and expressive entry into modern horror cinema that resonates with anyone who appreciates a deep dive into the complexities of human emotion and history.

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[photo courtesy of DARK STAR PICTURES, CONVOKE MEDIA, SHE-RA PRODUCTIONS]

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