Be Afraid

Be Afraid is an atmospheric horror film released in 2017 that perfectly blends elements of horror, thriller, and mystery. This intriguing movie, directed by Drew Gabreski and written by Gerald Nott, stars Brian Krause, Jaimi Paige, and Louis Herthum in pivotal roles.

The film's narrative revolves around the main character, John Chambers, played by Brian Krause, known for his part in the TV series "Charmed". John, a successful and beloved doctor, moves to Pennsylvania along with his family after he gets a job offer. Things take a turn for the worse when he begins to experience sleep paralysis.

Sleep paralysis is a rare occurrence where a person is conscious but unable to move or speak, usually occurring when the person is either falling asleep or awakening. What's unique about John's episodes is that they are accompanied by frightening visions of ghost-like creatures. So begins an intense and eerie journey, forcing John to question his sanity. He's desperate to find out whether these are symptoms of a sleep disorder or something far more sinister.

Jaimi Paige plays Carrie, John's wife. Her strength and determination are the family's backbone as they face the horrors that seem to have targeted them. Their son, Nathan, portrayed brilliantly by Jared Abrahamson, is an integral part of the plot. As the family struggles to reconcile with their new life in Pennsylvania, they find themselves pitted against inexplicable occurrences that stir fear and desperation.

Notably, Louis Herthum gives a chilling performance as Chief Collins. While seemingly supporting John’s family in their struggle against the unknown, Chief Collins is enigmatic and maintains an ambience of ambiguity throughout the film. The audience is often left to question his motives and contribution to the escalating terror.

Be Afraid skillfully uses its rural Pennsylvania setting to amplify the eeriness. The shadows within the dense forests, the mystique of the town, and the isolation from the hustle and bustle of the city add to the chilling atmosphere. Striking cinematography coupled with an eerily effective score perfectly enhance the growing sense of foreboding and makes for an unforgettable horror experience.

At its core, Be Afraid is a story of a family's togetherness in the face of fear, the lengths they are willing to go to protect each other, and the relationship dynamics that are tested along the way. The plot intricately explores metaphysical elements, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the story.

Drew Gabreski, the director, exhibits a keen talent for building suspense and tension throughout the movie. A subtle yet meaningful touch is how the film plays with the concept of fear itself – the unknown, the unseen, and the unexplained. It showcases how individuals respond to these fears and the impact it has on their life.

The performances of the cast are well-rounded and compelling. Brian Krause's portrayal of a haunted and desperate father is captivating. Jaimi Paige's performance as a strong and devoted mother adds depth and emotional weight to the narrative.

What sets Be Afraid apart, even within the horror genre, is its unique combination of supernatural elements, sleep science, and solid family drama. It successfully navigates between the lines of the genre to deliver an intimate depiction of a family grappling with the unknown.

The film delivers a series of twists and turns that keeps viewers on edge throughout its runtime. However, the true strength of Be Afraid lies beyond its scary sequences and in its exploration of the human psyche, relationships, and the primal nature of fear.

Be afraid truly lives up to its name and promises a thrilling and chilling experience for all horror movie enthusiasts. With its powerful performances, well-crafted suspenseful narrative, and a plotline that keeps viewers guessing, it is a must-watch for individuals in search of a uniquely layered horror experience.