MOVIE REVIEW
Fear Runs Deep in the Southwest Sands
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Genre: Drama, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): Gabriel Bienczycki, Richard Karpala
Writer(s): Richard Karpala
Cast: Rene Leech, Shaun Duke Jr., Andrew Gabriel, Piotr Adamczyk, Orianna Milne, Samantha Turret, Greg Poppa, J. Aaron Boykin, Diane Worman, Steve Gelder, Lonny Curtis
Where To Watch: opens in select theaters October 11, 2024, from XYZ Films

RAVING REVIEW: FALLING STARS ventures into the folk horror arena with a unique take I wasn’t expecting. Directed by Richard Karpala and Gabriel Bienczycki, the film offers a refreshing and intellectually stimulating dive into witchcraft myths, blurring the lines between the fantastical and the every day with poise and suspense.

Set against the eerily expansive backdrops of the American Southwest, FALLING STARS uses its environment, turning the desolate landscapes into a vast stage for its haunting tale. Bienczycki's cinematography captures the stark beauty of these regions and amplifies the feeling of isolation and encroaching peril, setting an atmospheric tone that is both chilling and captivating.

At the narrative’s core are three brothers—Mike, Sal, and Adam—whose lives spiral into chaos following their investigation into a dark secret held by a friend. Shaun Duke Jr., Andrew Gabriel, and Rene Leech portray their journey from casual investigation to survival in the face of otherworldly threats with gripping intensity. The trio delivers a layered performance that explores the complexities of bonds strained by fear and the unknown.

The dialogue by Karpala and rural settings are depicted with an authenticity that brings the supernatural elements down to earth. Discussions about witches and the supernatural occur nonchalantly, seamlessly integrating the extraordinary into the norm of daily life. This subtlety in storytelling builds a slow-burning tension that may not cater to fans of traditional horror thrills but succeeds in creating a pervasive sense of dread.

Beyond its haunting narrative, FALLING STARS integrates regional folklore into its storyline. The film portrays a community where local legends about witches are not just tales told during Halloween but ingrained in its inhabitants' everyday lives. This infusion of local lore adds a layer of intrigue and depth, making the brothers' encounters and the community's reactions more relatable and impactful. This folklore element enriches the plot, providing a cultural context that enhances the viewer's immersion into the film's world.

Despite its strengths, FALLING STARS grapples with a few shortcomings. Some side characters serve more as a narrative convenience than a fully fleshed-out presence, and the rich lore of the witches, crucial to the film’s premise, remains tantalizingly underdeveloped. These narrative gaps may leave viewers craving a more expansive exploration of the film’s intriguing world.

The film’s conclusion leaves its mysteries in the air, a stylistic choice that solidifies its eerie impact but might divide the audience. With its subtle approach and strong emphasis on atmosphere, FALLING STARS crafts a narrative that’s both thought-provoking and unsettling, promising exciting future endeavors for Karpala and Bienczycki in the genre.

FALLING STARS not only twists the folk horror genre but also delves into the dark corners of human belief with a narrative that is as disturbing as it is intriguing, making it a film that haunts viewers long after the screen goes dark.

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[photo courtesy of XYZ FILMS]

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