Independent Thrillers Are Being Redefined

Read Time:2 Minute, 56 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Summoned
–

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Mark Meir
Writer(s): Yuri Baranovsky
Cast: J. Quinton Johnson, Emma Fitzpatrick, Angela Gulner, Salvador Chacon, Frederick Stuart, Mark Meir
Where To Watch: Arrives July 7th nationwide on VOD.

When it comes to independent film, it’s often a hit-or-miss experience. To make things worse, independent horror can often make this issue amplified. Often they feel like cheap cash grabs to pump out the next money maker. Thankfully THE SUMMONED was far from that; it was a project that came from passion.

The film's lead was J. Quinton Johnson (LAST FLAG FLYING), and he made this role his own and truly stole the screen every time he had a scene. Along with Johnson, Angela Gulner (GLOW) and Emma Fitzpatrick (TAKE BACK THE NIGHT) gave fantastic performances that kept me wanting more. Especially the interactions between Johnson’s character Elijah and Gulner’s character Tara. The two played off each other perfectly, especially with Elijah’s initial awkwardness towards the situation. Rounding out the cast was Salvador Chacon (Black-ish) as Joe and Frederick Stuart as Dr. Frost; both helped to add to the overall success and feel of the film.

The film is Mark Meir’s directorial debut, and I think he hit a home run with this one; the pacing and thrill of the film were done with such charm. I enjoyed how the film progressed; it’s classified as a horror/thriller, and while more thriller than horror, there is just enough to wear that title proudly. One of the later scenes specifically impressed me with the all-out rage and what I can’t help but feel was an homage to THE SHINING.

While there were some moments throughout the film that felt like we had seen before, as a whole, the film offered a creepy and uneasy feeling throughout. Something that the horror genre, in general, has been missing as of late. Most horror films seem almost predictable and more like they’re going through the paces instead of offering a love letter to the movies that have come before them.

I haven’t seen many others bring up the film's cinematography; Justin Morrison does wonders with the scenery and sets. He makes the film feel like it easily fits with any other modern-day thriller. With the look, feel, direction, and acting, the film truly comes together to offer something deserving of the final product. This falls in line with some of the other independent thrillers I’ve seen this year POSER, WATCHER, FRANK AND PENELOPE, and more; these films are taking independent films and making them into something more.

As with so many films, this was shot in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes it all the more impressive in my eyes. This cast and crew had not only to overcome the standard issues that come along with making a film but a global pandemic and the strict precautions put in place to keep all well.

For more reviews and my YouTube channel, please visit linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about all things movies.