This Halloween, the Past Isn’t Dead

Read Time:3 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Creeping Death
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Matt Sampere
Writer(s): Matt Sampere
Cast: Monique Parent, Scott Lea, Matt Sampere, Alan Maxson, Delian Lincourt, Hunter Kohl, Ian Brown, Elise St John
Where To Watch: coming exclusively to ScreamBox September 10, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In the quiet shadows of a small town, Halloween brings more than just kids in costumes; it ushers in a blend of darkness and the supernatural. Matt Sampere wrote and directed a compelling narrative with Tim Garner as the lead, portrayed by Sampere himself. Tim’s struggle with his mother Linda’s illness, played by Monique Parent, sets a somber tone for what becomes an unexpectedly dark evening. The arrival of Tim’s friends with a stolen artifact in tow catalyzes a chain of events that awakens an ancient Celtic deity, the Aos Si (Alan Maxson,) turning a night of fun into a terrifying ordeal. To be clear, traditionally speaking, when someone takes on so many roles in a production, it often suffers from the too many cooks syndrome, but in this case, I think Sampere nails it!

This group of friends, including Tramer (Ian Brown,) Isaac (K Cody Hunt,) Danielle (Delian Lincourt,) Nate (Hunter Kohl,) and PJ (Elise St John,) find their “harmless” pranks crossing into forbidden territory, disturbing a slumbering force bent on revenge. As their playful antics trigger dire consequences, the film incorporates a dense atmosphere of dread.

The essence of CREEPING DEATH is its robust homage to the horror genre, anchored by the Aos Si—a creature brought to life with standout practical effects that echo the menace of legendary horror figures. Yet, the film’s heart lies in its exploration of tradition and consequence, themes that resonate deeply as the narrative unfolds. This indie horror film knows what it wants to accomplish and reaches for that goal!

Sure, the dialogue sometimes feels a little clunky, and the pacing, particularly in the slower first act, can be a little challenging while the horror gradually builds. These moments are sprinkled with folklore that connects present-day Halloween celebrations to ancient protective rituals, though these elements crave deeper exploration.

CREEPING DEATH hits its stride in the second and third acts, merging personal stakes with supernatural peril in a visually and emotionally charged showdown. The film’s craftsmanship shines here, with practical effects and performances that help to heighten the suspense and horror, drawing viewers into the heart of the conflict.

Sampere’s first feature is a tribute to the spine-chilling allure of Halloween and the classic horror genre that shapes it. While it may not revolutionize the industry, it positions Sampere as a promising filmmaker whose narrative skill blends personal anguish with traditional scares in a tapestry that captivates and terrifies.

The film stands as a testament to the power of indie filmmaking, meticulously crafted from the menacing antagonist to the atmospheric setting that perfectly frames this ghostly tale. Offering a unique spin on Halloween horror, CREEPING DEATH is likely to linger in the minds of those who revel in a good scare, providing a fresh lens through which to view the reasons we fear the unseen. It might not be the season’s most horrifying film, but its innovative fusion of folklore with genuine human emotion marks it as a memorable venture into the dark.

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[photo courtesy of SCREAMBOX]

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