American Poltergeist

American Poltergeist, a 2015 horror movie directed by Mike Rutkowski, continues to bring spine-chilling thrills to the horror genre. The film stars Donna Spangler, Luke Brandon Field, and Simona Fusco, embroiled in a terrifying supernatural face-off with an invisible entity.

The movie begins with a group of university students, one of whom is played by Luke Brandon Field of 'The Hurt Locker' fame, moving into a quiet, old house in Fall River, Massachusetts, to spend their summer break. Everything appears serene until they begin experiencing a flurry of increasingly sinister and unexplainable phenomena that put their lives in danger. Fear takes hold as the unexpected incidents escalate, hinting at the presence of a menacing spirit.

Donna Spangler of 'Social Nightmare' assumes the role of Dianna EastBrooke in this supernatural thriller. She portrays a strong, sensible woman who becomes the glue that holds the group together as their circumstances become harrowing. Spangler's brilliant performance adds impressive depth to the narrative, effortlessly transitioning through a range of emotions as the group’s fear and desperation escalate.

Simona Fusco, known for intriguing performances in 'Beerfest' and '5th Street,' brings alive the character of Taryn. Fusco's acting prowess wonderfully captures the traits of her character – a young, vivacious, and fearless girl whose courage is tested in the most horrifying ways. She contributes significantly to the escalating tension, masterfully acting scared and tormented, yet resilient in the face of impending doom.

The setting of the movie plays a crucial role in amplifying the terror. The house, steeped in history and rumored to be the former residence of the infamous Lizzie Borden, has a character of its own. The eerie, haunted ambiance, paired with the well-crafted narrative, sets a spooky tone enhancing the movie's terror factor. Gothic elements, such as creaky doors, flickering lights, and mysteriously moving objects, are used to create suspense, build anxiety, and portray the ominous presence of the poltergeist.

The storyline is also interspersed with mysterious flashbacks that provide snippets of the house's dark past, increasing the complexities and anxieties of the unfolding tale. These flashbacks build a backstory explaining the origin of the haunting creature that currently torments the unwitting inhabitants.

Mike Rutkowski’s adept direction combined with the twisted screenplay makes each scene in American Poltergeist electrifying. With chilling camerawork and eerie sound effects, the viewers are kept on the edge of their seat, anxiously awaiting the next startling twist. These cinematic techniques serve to make the considered frequent antagonist, the poltergeist, both haunting and tangible.

The movie carries a gripping plot, brilliant performances by the cast powering the narration forward, a haunting antagonist, and high-stakes face-offs. It balances the genre's cliched elements with fresh narrative hauls, creating an exciting blend of tradition and novelty. Even though it treads the well-known path of a haunted house infested by a malevolent spirit, American Poltergeist successfully offers unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers glued to their seats.

Special mention goes to the makeup and special effects teams whose efforts have taken the scare factor to a whole new level. The film's hauntingly ghastly visual effects, combined with the right blend of background score and sound design, heighten the levels of tension and fear throughout the movie.

American Poltergeist is more than a traditional haunted house story – it delves into the exploration of fear, skepticism, faith, and determination. As it combines the reality of everyday life with creeping supernatural elements, it takes the audience on a terrifying journey, creating a feeling of dread, apprehension, and excitement that lingers long after the movie ends.

Overall, the movie is a thrill ride for horror movie enthusiasts and fans of supernatural folklore. American Poltergeist promises to deliver chills down the viewers’ spine and keep them engaged with its relentless suspense and horrifying premise. It is a testament to classic horror films and provides modern viewers with a fresh perspective on the well-loved genre. If you are a lover of movies that incite fear and apprehension, American Poltergeist is a must-watch.