As Night Falls

As Night Falls is a 2010 indie horror flick directed by Joe Davison, starring Debbie Rochon, Julie Anne Prescott, and Lily Cardone. Known for its campy humor, creative storyline, and unforgettable performances, the film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys the unique blend of horror and comedy.

Debbie Rochon, an icon of independent horror cinema, stars as Helen, the tormented ghost of a Salem witch who is eternally trapped in a point in time she would rather forget. Rochon's performance is remarkable, effortlessly blending rage, sadness, and spite in a role that at times is over-the-top, but always fitting for the haunting and monstrous character she portrays.

Julie Anne Prescott plays 13-year-old Holly, the not-so-innocent new girl in town who moves in with her mother and becomes one of Helen's unsuspecting targets. Prescott's performance stands out as she convincingly oscillates between normal teenage angst and paralyzing fear. Holly's character, brilliantly portrayed by Prescott, is an emotional pivot in this roller coaster of events, forcing viewers to grasp the thin line between the normal and the paranormal that the movie continuously blurs.

Lily Cardone plays Susan, Holly's mother who is blissfully unaware of the supernatural mayhem unraveling in her new home. Cardone carries the character beautifully, reflecting the struggle of a single mother trying to settle in a new life and at the same time battling the strange occurrences around her.

The movie kicks off when the unsuspecting family moves into their quaint home, on grounds that were once used for witch trials in the 1600s. This sets forth a chain of events that lead to a series of bizarre and terrifying unfortunate incidents, making the movie a whirlwind journey bringing together the best elements of suspense and supernatural horror into one entertaining package.

Director Joe Davison utilizes the indie film charm to set up a unique mood for the horror-comedy, effectively intermixing the scares with dark comedy. Davison's direction is evident in the meticulous framing of each scene and the way he builds the suspense, often leading viewers to an unexpected twist. The film showcases Davison’s storytelling talent, transforming a tale of a haunted past into a narrative packed with thrill, chills, and a lot of unexpected laughs.

The makeup and special effects in As Night Falls deserve a notable mention. From gruesome makeup to eerie visual effects, the creators left no stone unturned to plunge the audience into a world of surreal horror. Coupled with the chilling musical score and the eerie set locations, the movie efficiently delivers a sense of dread that keeps audiences on edge.

The script by D. Glase Lomond, adds a good balance of humor to an otherwise terrifying plot, managing to sprinkle moments of laughter throughout the suspense-filled narrative. The comedy in the film is witty and well-placed, and far from using it as a crutch, the humor propels the film forward, amplifying the horror by contrast and creating an entertaining dynamic between the characters.

However, As Night Falls is not for everybody. The film's true charm lies in its acceptance and unapologetic use of horror and comedy conventions to tell a story that is truly its own. While the film definitely sets out to scare, it's the humor shrouded under layers of horror that makes As Night Falls so unique.

As Night Falls undoubtedly paints a vivid picture of a haunted history resurfacing amidst a modern lifestyle. With the incorporation of supernatural elements, the film offers an intriguing journey into the unknown, diving head-first into unsettling territories. It is sure to get your heart racing and have you laughing through the scares, managing to serve up an unusually engaging and unforgettable horror experience for the viewer.

In conclusion, As Night Falls is an unexpected blend of horror, humor, and history designed to entertain at every twist and turn. With its remarkable performances, gripping narrative, and an unexpectedly funny undertone to its horror, it's definitely a movie that deserves a spot on every horror fan's watch list.