Bonehill Road

Bonehill Road is a 2017 horror movie that throws viewers into a whirlwind of fear, survival, and dark secrets. Directed by Todd Sheets, the movie features a remarkable ensemble cast led by Eli DeGeer, Ana Rojas-Plumberg, and Linnea Quigley. Though the movie is inspired by classic werewolf films, Sheets infuses it with a unique brand of indie horror far from your everyday mainstream flick. A testament to his creative vision, the film marries practical effects with an engaging plot, resulting in a thrilling horror escapade.

The movie follows the arduous journey of Emily, played by Eli DeGeer, and her daughter Eden, played by Ana Rojas-Plumberg. The two women find themselves fleeing from an abusive situation at home, attempting to start life anew. However, as they head down Bonehill Road - a deserted route surrounded by the eerie wilderness - their escape takes a terrifying turn. Their trip rapidly descends from a hopeful drive towards liberation into a desperate struggle for survival against a pack of ferocious beasts stalking them under the moonlight.

DeGeer's performance as the beleaguered and strong-willed Emily is gripping. She masterfully portrays a woman forced to face not just her personal demons but literal ones too. Rojas-Plumberg, likewise, delivers an equally compelling performance of a teenager thrust into a horrifying situation far beyond her years, yet her raw determination to survive is palpable.

However, the threats aren't confined to the wilderness. The mother-daughter duo stumbles upon a house, seeking sanctuary from the deadly creatures, only to discover that the real terror may be as much within walls as outside it. The house is inhabited by several eccentric individuals, including Linnea Quigley's character, a strange woman camouflaging an unsettling reality beneath the veneer of a deranged façade. Quigley, a horror veteran, brings an edge to her character that heightens the overall tension in the movie.

Bonehill Road's artistry is not just limited to its plot and performances, but it also shines in its technical aspects. The film is a clear nod to classic horror replete with practical effects extensively used to create the haunting creatures. This aspect gives the film a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of 1980s creature features, perfect for true horror aficionados who appreciate an old-school cinematic experience.

The cinematography by Brian "Bone" Hill effectively captures the grim and tense atmosphere which lends the film a grotesque charm. One can almost feel the chilling wind of the deserted Bonehill Road, see the moonlit shadows shift and hear the faint rustle in undergrowth. The landscape becomes a character in itself, setting up the stage for the frightful pursuits and nerve-wracking hide-and-seek between the surviving humans and the hunting beasts.

The screenplay, also written by Sheets, is transfixing, expertly blending elements of familial drama, survival horror, and creature feature. It explores potent themes like domestic abuse, maternal instincts, survival, and fear, building not just a horror movie but also a human drama wrapped in a supernatural shroud. As viewers navigate through the film's sinister landscape, they become invested in Emily and Eden's survival journey, rooting for them as they confront their worst nightmares.

Drenched in blood-curdling suspense and punctuated by intense action scenes, Bonehill Road delivers an edge-of-the-seat experience that keeps viewers hooked till the credits roll. It's not merely a horror movie, but a successful endeavor in storytelling that recalls classic creature features while also managing a fresh spin on the familiar narrative. If you're a die-hard horror fan or just someone looking for a thrilling cinematic experience, Bonehill Road is a must-watch. It's a heart-stopping ride that explores the lengths a person will go to save themselves and their loved ones when confronted with insurmountable odds. It's a film that truly runs with the wolves.