Mysterious Farmhouse Holds Enigmatic Tale

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Hopewell Haunting
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Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director(s): Dane Sears
Writer(s): Dane Sears
Cast: Ted Ferguson, Timothy Morton, Audra Todd, Rich Williams, Jennifer Feldpausch, Tom Morton
Where To Watch: releasing on VOD and digital June 13, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Our narrative embarks on the spine-chilling and mysterious edges of the picturesque town of Hopewell, more specifically, within the confines of an enigmatic farmhouse. Stemming from its origins as a compelling PBS short that intrigued the audience, THE HOPEWELL HAUNTING embarks on a courageous journey to expand upon its skeletal premise. Yet, the transformation from a concise piece to a full-blown terror-infused opera faces hurdles, leaving the audience longing for a narrative crescendo that is only partially realized.

Let's dissect the main structure of the film – a montage of meticulously woven sequences intended to induce dread. While they might not end with an earth-shattering climax, they conjure enough suspense to keep the viewers on edge, wanting to see how the story ends. If you anticipate a profound and labyrinthine exploration of horror, you may need to readjust your expectations. Without a doubt, this film is a thriller, despite some promotional material suggesting pure horror.

While audacious, the contemporary approach of the narrative may resonate only with a subset of viewers, especially those inclined toward dialogue-dense movies. The screenplay's elaborate enigma imbues the narrative with an appealing mystique, albeit it appears trapped within its intricate maze at times. The character development also oscillates between eliciting amusement and providing profundity, leading to a few fumbled attempts.

One performance that punctures the film's stagnation is that of Brother James Howell, whose spiritual journey forms the backbone of the narrative. His evolution from a penance-seeking clergyman to a hesitant guardian against evil forces is captivating. Timothy Morton's portrayal of Brother Howell deserves commendation and is the cohesive element binding the narrative.

THE HOPEWELL HAUNTING employs an array of minimalist filmmaking techniques. These components form a suspense-laden film that, although not consistently terrifying, successfully incites intermittent chills. A noteworthy aspect of the film is its apt use of a modest backdrop to create an ambiance that is as genuine as it is unnerving. Despite the narrative occasionally veering towards monotony, the heartfelt storytelling rescues it from succumbing to tedium. THE HOPEWELL HAUNTING is akin to a cinematic pendulum, swinging between electrifying peaks and a handful of disappointing valleys. Despite its narrative inconsistencies, the film leaves an impression due to its atmospheric resilience and dedicated performances.

Prepare yourselves, dear viewers! Despite a few narrative missteps, THE HOPEWELL HAUNTING crafts a spectral panorama that lingers in your thoughts, much like the mysterious farmhouse at the heart of its tale.

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[photo courtesy of DARK SKY FILMS]