Sinister Secrets Lurk in Shadows

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MOVIE REVIEW
Voice of Shadows
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Nicholas Bain
Writer(s): Nicholas Bain
Cast: Guillermo Blanco, Corrinne Mica, Bee Vang, Michael Paul Levin, Martin Harris
Where To Watch: releasing September 17, 2024, on digital and streaming platforms, including iTunes/Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Fandango at Home, Vimeo, and local cable & satellite providers

RAVING REVIEW: Nicholas Bain's directorial debut, VOICE OF SHADOWS, invites audiences into a dark, chilling world where gothic horror meets unsettling supernatural twists. The film follows Gabriel, played by Guillermo Blanco, a devout Catholic wrestling with his past demons. Alongside his girlfriend Emma, portrayed by Corrinne Mica, they navigate the shadowy corridors of a mysterious estate that Emma has recently inherited. Despite its atmospheric tension and strong performances, the film tends to lean heavily on traditional haunted house clichés, limiting its innovative potential.

As the story unfolds, eerie occurrences test Gabriel's faith; with that, a sinister undercurrent permeates the estate. Blanco’s portrayal of Gabriel is a highlight, offering a deep look into a man torn between his beliefs and the haunting reality he faces. However, the character of Emma, central to the narrative's progression, lacks the same depth and development. This lack of character exploration leaves the audience yearning for a more comprehensive look at her psychological descent as the estate's dark forces encroach.

The supporting cast adds intrigue and complexity to the film’s enigmatic atmosphere. María José Vargas Agudelo, as Celeste, Gabriel’s sister, Bee Vang’s portrayal of Father James, and Martin Harris, the cryptic attorney Ernesto, contribute to the mystery. However, Ernesto’s character, which had the potential to heighten the film’s suspense significantly, receives limited screen time, diluting what could have been a more gripping conflict.

Visually, thanks to Neil Murphy’s cinematography, which captures the essence of the gothic genre with its play on shadows and light, this vision, coupled with the haunting score by Utkucan Eken and Elif Karlidag, effectively amplifies the chilling atmosphere, making the estate itself feel like a character rife with hostility.

Despite these strengths, VOICE OF SHADOWS doesn’t stray far enough from the path well-trodden by others in the genre. The narrative sticks closely to conventional plotlines, making the film’s twists somewhat predictable to the seasoned horror fan. While the thematic exploration of faith, societal roles, and class struggles adds a unique take, these elements are only lightly touched upon, suggesting missed opportunities for deeper narrative exploration.

Ultimately, VOICE OF SHADOWS is a visual and atmospheric success, delivering suspense and some engaging performances. Yet, its reliance on established horror formulas prevents it from transcending its genre to offer something genuine and igenuinetive. Bain’s debut, while promising, may leave audiences desiring a more unique and less predictable cinematic experience.

VOICE OF SHADOWS will deliver the expected chills and aesthetic satisfaction for those who appreciate the gothic and supernatural thriller genres. However, those searching for new twists in horror storytelling might find the film adhering too closely to familiar. Still, it is a commendable effort, marked by its stylistic flair and evocative musical score, making it a worthy watch for fans of traditional horror narratives.

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[photo courtesy of SCATENA & ROSNER FILMS, ARK ENTERTAINMENT, THEGSEVEN]

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