Bed of the Dead

Bed of the Dead is a 2016 Canadian horror film that plunges its characters, and audience, into a world of supernatural terror and ancient curses. Directed by Jeff Maher and featuring Colin Price, Alysa King, and Gwenlyn Cumyn as lead ensemble, the film's title betrays its principal plot device - a haunted bed with an insidious past, which decides who lives and dies.

The plot begins with two couples who spontaneously decide to swap partners and engage in wild revelry in a seedy, old hotel known as the 'Swingers Club'. The atmosphere is set with dark antiques and mysterious artifacts that fill the interior of this eerie place. The centerpiece of their rented room is a large, antique bed, which seems to radiate an inexplicable and threatening aura. This imposing piece of furniture becomes the platform upon which the quiet threat that lingers in the room is given life.

After ignoring the warnings and treading where sensible folk fear to go, one of the characters lies dead. A terrifying discovery then sends them spiraling down a rabbit hole of fear and uncertainty. They soon realize that this is no ordinary bed. As the surviving characters grapple with the reality that this ancient piece of furniture is cursed and that they are trapped in a ticking time bomb situation, the tension quietly builds throughout the film.

The narrative is intercut with detective Virgil (played by Colin Price), a harrowed individual plagued by mistakes from his past. He is called to investigate the gruesome demise of one of the characters and finds himself in a race against time as he unearths a series of unsolved murders all associated with the cursed bed. A mysterious character in his own right, Virgil's ongoing guilt and his need for redemption add a distinctive layer to the overall plotline.

Incorporating elements of suspense and supernatural thriller genres, Bed of the Dead takes audiences on a horror-filled thrill ride. Alysa King provides a notable performance, embodying the essence of a victim caught in the throes of terror while struggling to survive. Gwenlyn Cumyn also delivers a riveting performance, seizing every moment onscreen with panicky desperation, stark terror, and sober acceptance. The dynamic between the primary characters adds depth and humanity, showcasing the unraveling of their respective personalities when faced with a life-or-death situation.

Contrary to the typical 'slash and scream' approach to horror movies, the filmmakers make intelligent use of the confined space and limited props, placing emphasis on atmosphere, character development, and suspense-building, over gore and violence. By abandoning the gratuitous, the film manages to stand out in a genre that is often plagued by predictability and cliches.

The haunting scenarios and plot twists are skillfully narrated, alternating between the terrors engulfing the trapped victims and Detective Virgil's frantic race against time, switching between present and past incidents connected to the cursed antique. An intriguing facet of the film is its exploration of the morality of the characters. It questions the nature of guilt, redemption, and punishment, playing these themes against the backdrop of a horror/thriller narrative.

Beyond its eerie premise and effectively chilling thrills, Bed of the Dead employs a unique narrative strategy to weave a complex and layered story. Its use of the supernatural to deliver metaphorical and moral messages elevates the film above simple terror-fest, thereby laying the groundwork for psychological horror.

Visually layered with dark shrouds and gloomy tones that paint each scene with foreboding, Bed of the Dead is an atmospheric horror film that leaves a lasting impression. Its strength lies in its innovative storytelling, solid performances, and ability to intrigue and chill in equal measure. It will have you thinking twice about lying down on that antique bed or any unfamiliar sleeping arrangement for that matter.

All in all, Bed of the Dead is a unique film that successfully blends elements of horror, psychological thriller, and morality play and is sure to appease and frighten even the most seasoned lovers of the genre. For those looking for a different type of horror film, this is a ride worth taking.