Supernatural Vengeance Strikes in Small-Town Horror

Read Time:4 Minute, 16 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Cheat
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Kevin Ignatius, Nick Psinakis
Writer(s): Kevin Ignatius, Nick Psinakis
Cast: Corin Clay, Mick Thyer, April Clark, Danielle Grotsky, Brady O’Donnell, Kyle Corbin, Paul "Doc" Ignatius, Will Bunk
Where To Watch: TBA

RAVING REVIEW: CHEAT is a thrilling dive into a world where the supernatural is driven by unresolved anger and untimely deaths. This horror film, set in the eerie college town of Silvercreek, Pennsylvania, revolves around the chilling legend of Clara Miller (April Clark,) a vengeful spirit who punishes those guilty of infidelity with deadly consequences.

The movie starts with a gruesome flashback to 1888, immediately setting a dark and ominous tone. In this unsettling scene, a man drags an unconscious body into the woods and brutally murders them. This horrific act establishes a precedent for the eerie events that unfold in the present day, where Silvercreek has gained notoriety for its high suicide rate, becoming a backdrop for a sinister narrative where past horrors bleed into the present.

Maeve (Corin Clay,) a promising student awarded a scholarship to study in Silvercreek, finds herself moving in with the Walker family. Charlie Walker (Michael Thyer,) who has suffered the tragic loss of his daughter, offers the scholarship in her memory. As Maeve adjusts to her new life, she learns about the chilling legend of Clara Miller—a ghost believed to haunt and kill those who cheat on their partners, making their deaths appear as suicides.

Nick Psinakis and Kevin Ignatius co-directed and co-wrote CHEAT, crafting a tightly woven tale of horror and revenge. The film's opening flashback introduces Farmer Miller, played by Will Bunk, who is responsible for a gruesome murder. This origin story establishes the film's victim and a relentless antagonist, setting the stage for future supernatural terror.

As Maeve acclimates to her new surroundings, she forms a bond with Charlie, still haunted by his daughter's suicide. Their actions unwittingly activate the deadly curse, placing them in grave danger. Maeve's journey to uncover the truth and break the curse becomes a race against time, filled with suspense and fear.

Themes of infidelity and deceit drive the plot, embedding moral undertones in the horror narrative. Despite the inclusion of practical effects and gore, the scares adhere to familiar tropes—a bird hitting a window, a ghostly figure in white—that may seem conventional to seasoned horror enthusiasts.

Clay delivers a standout performance as Maeve, embodying the outsider drawn into the town's dark legend. The supporting cast, including Thyer and Clark, also offers strong performances, adding depth to the film. Their portrayals of characters entangled in the web of the curse bring authenticity to the narrative and make the horror feel all the more real.

Despite some script inconsistencies, such as an early scene involving a professor discussing hidden secrets that feel forced, the film maintains its grip on the audience. Lydia, played by Danielle Grotsky, serves more as an exposition tool than a fully developed character, which slightly detracts from the narrative's authenticity.

CHEAT reflects a conservative moral stance typical of slasher films, where sexual activity invites punishment. The film focuses on adultery, with Clara's ghost enacting a vengeful, sexually charged curse. This highlights the film's thematic exploration of puritanical values haunting contemporary America, adding a layer of social commentary to the horror.

The ending might divide audiences, but it encapsulates the film's unsettling tone, encouraging viewers to ponder its deeper themes. CHEAT leaves a lasting impression with its eerie narrative and moral complexities, challenging viewers to consider the consequences of deceit and the haunting presence of historical puritanism in modern society.

After watching CHEAT, viewers are left questioning how a simple act of infidelity could unleash such a powerful ghostly force. The film challenges us to consider the lasting impact of deceit and how the past can continue to haunt the present.

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[photo courtesy of BLACK MANDALA, FOUR EIGHTEEN FILMS]

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