Changing of Ben Moore

Changing of Ben Moore is a 2015 release directed by the talented Jason Mills. This intriguing horror flick stars a formidable ensemble cast, including Umberto Celisano, Corey Beaulieu, and David Lloyd, all of whom deliver captivating performances in this intense viewing experience.

Set against the backdrop of a quiet suburban neighbourhood, the movie spins around the life of the central character, Ben Moore, played compellingly by Umberto Celisano. Ben, a regular teenager with an ordinary life becomes the focus of mysterious happenings, causing his behaviour to radically change, hence the title, 'Changing of Ben Moore'.

Without resorting to cheap scares, this film aims to slowly build tension and suspense around Ben's inexplicable and often creepy behavioural changes. The backbone of the story is not only the mystery behind Ben's transformation but the pursuit of the truth by two characters - Rodney, brought to life by Corey Beaulieu, and Casey, masterfully embodied by David Lloyd.

Rodney is Ben's best friend, who initially brushes off the changes in Ben as temporary. As time passes, however, even he cannot ignore the complete personality transformation in Ben. On the struggle and realization that what's happening with Ben isn't normal, Rodney becomes a cleverly used character who turns detective to help his friend, often bending conventional rulebooks.

Casey, on the other hand, is Ben's feisty older sister, who is just as troubled by her brother's behavioural change. She teams up with Rodney, revealing the mysterious and alarming depths of Ben's condition. The performances of the actors make the characters they portray authentic and relatable. The chemistry between the characters aids in making the audience feel connected and concerned for the characters as they navigate this unsettling situation.

Changing of Ben Moore lends itself to the found-footage horror genre, giving it a thrilling, real-time effect that transports viewers right into the heart of the horror. The director weaves a narrative that is as much psychological as it is supernatural, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the movie, questioning every twist and turn.

In terms of cinematography, the movie uses everyday suburban settings to its advantage, using its low-key locations and lighting for maximum eerie impact. It erases the barrier between the screen and viewer, making the horror feel closer to home. The clever use of non-dramatic, minimal music only adds to the eerie environment the film manages to create.

What separates Changing of Ben Moore from a multitude of horror movies is its focus on characters and their development amid supernatural events. The movie approaches the genre with a fresh perspective, simultaneously maintaining a nuanced character study as it descends deeper into the morbid. It values its emotional beats as importantly as its thrills, ensuring that viewers are as invested in the characters’ wellbeing as they are in the mystery at hand.

In summary, Changing of Ben Moore is a thoughtfully crafted horror film that elegantly combines elements of suspense, mystery, and character development with horror. Its found-footage style adds an immersive experience that keeps you glued to the screen, even as it sends shivers down your spine. It's a movie that takes you on a haunting, psychological ride while keeping you rooted in the lives of its relatable, engaging characters.

If you are looking for a good scare that’s packed with plenty of suspense and a dash of emotional depth, Changing of Ben Moore presents an intriguing blend of these elements. It's more than horror, with its determined focus on characters and their descent into the unknown, bordering on the genre of a suspenseful, character-driven thriller. This film is a testament to the potential of indie horror cinema, where a great storyline, fine acting, and atmospheric cinematography result in a movie experience that stands apart.