Doctor’s Dark Lessons Weave Sinister Web

Read Time:4 Minute, 19 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Dr. Saville’s Horror Show
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Kevin R. Phipps
Writer(s): Craig W. Chenery
Cast: Allen Valor, Michael Hanelin, Ashlieya Mariano, Honda King, Briana Lys, Jedediah Jones, Kristina Sabbagh, Kirk Levingar, Harley Queen
Where To Watch: available to watch now: Amazon: www.amazon.com, Vudu: www.vudu.com, Hoopla: www.hoopladigital.com, or Tubi: www.tubitv.com

RAVING REVIEW: First things first, anyone out here totally trashing this is just trying to be edgy or hasn’t watched enough modern low-budget horror. Stepping into the dark depths of DR. SAVILLE'S HORROR SHOW, viewers find themselves ensnared by an anthology that merges the macabre with a sharp commentary on the consequences of our decisions. This series of dark parables, directed by Kevin R. Phipps, serves as entertainment and a chilling exploration of the shadows lurking in the human psyche.

At the heart of DR. SAVILLE'S HORROR SHOW lies Michael, a character brought to life by Michael Hanelin. His seemingly mundane airport layover turns into a nightmare when he falls into the hands of the diabolical Dr. Saville, portrayed with a menacing vibe by Allen Valor. This initial scenario spirals into a triad of tales, each painting a grim picture of dire choices and their haunting aftermath.

The anthology starts with "Consume," where Honda King portrays Anna, a bride-to-be caught in a grotesque twist of fate. Her desperate choice to employ a genetically modified tapeworm for weight loss takes viewers down a horrifying path of physical and psychological transformation. This segment skillfully blurs the lines between body horror and a deep-seated fear of losing control, setting a formidable tone for the anthology.

Following this, we get the second segment, "It’s Complicated," which explores the complexities of modern romance through a horror lens. It features a womanizing bachelor whose latest romantic entanglement turns dreadfully sour, exposing the dark underbelly of seemingly perfect relationships. This story mixes the terror of romantic entanglements with eerie realities, adding a layer of surrealism to the dating scene.

The final piece, "Break," shifts gears to a survival horror narrative. Kirk Levingar portrays a father's desperate fight to protect his family during a zombie apocalypse. The intensity of the segment escalates as it becomes clear that the real threat might be much closer than zombies scratching at the door—the human emotions and choices are genuinely shocking.

Dr. Saville, the anthology's sinister puppet master, stitches these stories with a narrative emphasizing the weight of choices and their ripple effects. His presence weaves a continuous thread of menace throughout, punctuating the moral lessons with a chilling touch. While this isn’t the first time we’ve seen something like this, it was still fun to have the segments tied together with a larger arc instead of being entirely standalone.

It is a bit of a struggle to maintain a consistent tone across its segments, which isn’t all bad, except that they’re meant to tie together in some ways. Despite these moments, the anthology engages the audience through solid performances, well-done practical effects, and a narrative that prompts reflection on more profound themes.

While DR. SAVILLE'S HORROR SHOW navigates some narrative turbulence, it distinguishes itself within the horror anthology genre with its unique approach to exploring the consequences of human actions. Its commitment to diversity in its cast and crew adds richness to the narrative, presenting an experience that appeals to horror enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

DR. SAVILLE'S HORROR SHOW revives the spirit of classic horror anthologies while injecting it with modern, thought-provoking twists. From the unnerving unraveling in "Consume" to the deceptive complexities in "It’s Complicated" and the harrowing survival stakes in "Break," the anthology crafts a tale of terror that ensures its philosophical ponderings—and its frights—linger with the audience.

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[photo courtesy of LION HEART DISTRIBUTION]

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