Cherry Tree

Cherry Tree is a 2015 independent horror film directed by David Keating and features a star-studded cast including Naomi Battrick, Patrick Gibson, Sam Hazeldine, and Leah McNamara. The film epitomizes the culmination of ancient folklore and contemporary horror, the danger of temptation and the illogical rationality of human actions when faced with desperate situations.

The storyline revolves around a young heroine named Faith, exceptionally portrayed by Naomi Battrick, and her transition from a shy, naïve schoolgirl into a strong survivor confronting the supernatural. Faith lives a peaceful life until she learns about her father's damning disease that puts him on the brink of mortality. The news flips her world upside down and puts her in such a desperate position that she is open to grasping any flicker of hope, no matter how dire the consequences seem.

Patrick Gibson brilliantly plays the role of Faith's classmate, Brian, whom she has a soft spot for. Gibson consistently exhibits a compelling screen presence, weaving a balancing act of curiosity, apprehensiveness, and fear as the narrative unfolds. Sam Hazeldine as Sean, Faith's ill-stricken father, delivers an emotive performance showcasing his struggle juggling fatherhood and a terrible disease.

Leah McNamara, as the enigmatic, mysterious head of a typed hockey team, is the embodiment of tempting darkness. Her character, Sissy Young, projects a chilling screen presence, feasting on the fear and desperation of others, using it as a way to trap them in her web of horrors. As a ruthless antagonist, McNamara deciphers the devious idea of curing Faith's father's illness, leading him and Faith down a path of unthinkable horror. Her performance provides the sinister, surreal backbone that keeps the narrative darkly absorbing.

Director David Keating sets the environment of the film in an unnamed small town scattered with massive clusters of cherry orchards which seems peaceful but hides an ancient, dreadful secret. The local folklore goes that the cherry trees are surrounded by evil, a belief that seems to come alive as the narrative progresses. The director intelligently uses such background to enhance the horror element in the film, encapsulating a sense of impending doom that permeates this tranquility.

Cherry Tree masterfully explores visceral horror, going beyond typical jump scares, empowering the environment with creeping unease and an impending sense of doom. The movie uses sound to its advantage, echoing the heartfelt fear of the characters and the escalating tension. The cinematography also plays a key role in shaping the mood of the film, using low light and shadows to create a gloomy, menacing atmosphere that keeps audiences on edge.

Keating also delves into the human psychology, exploring themes like desperation, fear, and betrayal, and how these emotions can drive people to extreme measures. The film is not just a rollercoaster of terror but a psychological thriller that probes into the dark corners of the human mind and sacrifices made in desperate situations.

The film’s mythological roots just add to the sense of eeriness, and it approaches such lore in a contemporary manner. Ancient rituals, sacrifices, and witchcraft clash with today’s world in an organic way, making the narrative more dynamic and intriguing.

Cherry Tree excellently maintains the balance between subtle psychological horror and more overt, traditional horror. Battrick's Faith embodies this straddle as she navigates through her life's turmoil and the desolation she faces when confronted with her father's imminent demise.

Cherry Tree is a compelling watch for fans of horror and suspense who appreciate a film's ability to combine ancient folklore with the modern-day world, underlined by well-crafted characters, a solid script, and impressive performances from the cast. The film’s sincere and human approach to horror refreshingly steers clear of cliches, making it a uniquely memorable viewing.