Before Someone Gets Hurt

Before Someone Gets Hurt is a captivating horror film directed by Shane Barbanel and featuring performances from talented actors including Michael Welch, Alexandra Turshen, and Aaron Sauter. This independent film, released in 2018, engages audiences with its unique blend of horror, supernatural, and mystery genres creating an atmosphere that's genuinely suspenseful and chilling.

The film takes us on a gripping journey revolving around the team of a supernatural reality TV show, "Ghost Investigations". This crew sets out on a thrilling adventure, intended to debunk the urban legend of a haunted house that is said to afflict people who dare to venture there with curses and misfortunes. Michael Welch plays the role of Tim and Alexandra Turshen takes on the character of Maya, while Aaron Sauter plays one of the team members, Gary.

In the film, the Ghost Investigations team eagerly accepts the challenge of dissecting the rumors behind the intimidating and supposedly perilous house in suburban New York. The house, steeped in local folklore, is said to be haunted by a monstrous spirit seeking revenge for a tragic incident that happened years ago. As a mixed group of professional ghost hunters and sceptical interns, they are unfazed by the risks and potential dangers that lurk ahead. With their collective bravery and adventurism, they march towards the mystery that awaits them.

Throughout the movie, the narrative does an excellent job capturing the varying degrees of conviction, scepticism, and fear that the team experiences, which adds more depth to the plot. The tension gradually escalates as they begin to sense an invisible presence that seems to be messing with their minds, subtly manipulating their fears and arousing their deepest anxieties. As unexplainable happenings start to descend on them, the team is forced to question their initial scepticism. However, they are determined to document their findings and unravel the truth.

The film's strength lies in its atmospheric horror, with each scene ideally crafted to build suspense and a sense of growing unease. Instead of resorting to typical jump scares, the film intelligently infuses psychological horror elements which make the movie even more intense and nerve-wracking. The film's sound design, visual aesthetics, and special effects blend seamlessly to maintain a spooky ambiance that's both eerie and enticing.

The performances by the ensemble cast are commendable, with each actor perfectly embodying their respective characters. Michael Welch, Alexandra Turshen, and Aaron Sauter deliver strong performances, driving the progression of the film with powerful versatility. Welch's portrayal of the level-headed Tim, Turshen's restless Maya, and Sauter's portrayal of the eager Gary are all commendably honest and engaging. The dialogues are well-executed with a good blend of humour and seriousness, which help in keeping the audience gripped throughout the movie.

The director, Shane Barbanel, does a remarkable job balancing the narrative's different elements while keeping the suspense intact. The viewers are made to witness the thrill of ghost hunting, the apprehensive exploration of an allegedly haunted house, and the interpersonal relations between the team members. The film keeps the audience on edge, generating a sense of suspense and fear that intensifies as the story unfolds.

Before Someone Gets Hurt is indeed a thrilling ride that never lets up in suspense and intrigue. It's a supernatural horror roller coaster that effectively uses its setting and storyline to send chills down the spine of the audience. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys supernatural mysteries intricately woven with elements of horror and suspense. The acting is top-notch, the storyline is compelling, and the atmosphere is hauntingly eerie, making it a captivating watch for anyone seeking a good scare. This film serves as a unique entry into the horror genre, where suspense and fear play out in the most unexpected and unseen ways.