Girl on the Third Floor

Girl on the Third Floor is a 2019 supernatural horror film directed by Travis Stevens. The movie showcases some of the most remarkable stars, including Phil Brooks (also known as CM Punk, a professional wrestler), Trieste Kelly Dunn, and Sarah Brooks.

The plot revolves around Phil Brooks, who plays the lead character, Don Koch. Don is a disgraced former attorney looking to start a new life with his pregnant wife, played by Trieste Kelly Dunn. Don decides to refurbish a rundown mansion in the suburbs, presumed to become their dream house.

The film presents this house as an embodiment of Don's redemptive journey. As he embarks on the task of rejuvenating the dilapidated structure, he underestimates the enormity of the task and discovers that home repair isn't as straightforward as he initially had thought. There's a palpable mockery in his multiple failed attempts to repair, symbolic of Don's own life. The crumbling walls, clogged pipes, and oozing fluids are not only an indication of a house in dire need of renovation, but they also symbolise Don's previous life. The house and Don's past seem eerily interconnected.

Brooks' character, though apparently committed to becoming a better man for his wife and unborn child, is soon drawn into a world of bizarre and increasingly horrifying occasions. Alongside the struggles of house repair, Don encounters a mysterious and beautiful woman, played by Sarah Brooks, who further complicates his situation. The strange occurances within the house continue to escalate, creating an unsettling atmosphere built layer by layer.

The veteran horror film director, Travis Stevens, exhibits his proficiency in the genre by executing the horror sequences with finesse. The film is not your typical jump-scare filled bloodbath, but rather something much more nuanced that reveals its terrifying elements gradually. The dilapidated house's atmosphere is central to this tension-building, trapping characters in the eerie gloom of its confines and coating the everyday in a layer of supernatural dread. There's also momentary levity from dwelling in the grotesque to ease the tension momentarily and then amp it up again, a technique that Stevens marshals expertly.

Phil Brooks' performance stands out in the film. Known primarily as a pro wrestler before his acting career, Brooks delivers an impressive portrayal of a man trying to vanquish his past demons. His efforts resonate with any audience member who's ever tried to undo mistakes and make amends. Brooks' portrayal of Don is believable and compelling, drawing viewers in as the story grows darker and more complex. Trieste Kelly Dunn and Sarah Brooks also give credible performances, adding layers to their respective characters.

Girl on the Third Floor elevates the haunted house horror trope to a new level, exploring the depths of guilt, redemption, and consequence in a truly chilling narrative. However, it's not just the supernatural elements that make this film extraordinary; it's the flawlessly detailed parallels between the horror unfolding within the house and Don's inner turmoil. Stevens manages to infuse these 'in-between' moments with anticipatory dread, building up to an ending that is as unexpected as it is terrifying.

Moreover, the film's remarkable sound design and cinematography, with its mix of cold and warm atmospheric tones, are worth appreciating. Such elements contribute to a looming sense of dread that pervades the movie.

In conclusion, Girl on the Third Floor is a nerve-wracking exploration of fear, intrigue, and guilt. Anchored by Phil Brooks' captivating performance and directed by the seasoned Travis Stevens, the movie transcends standard horror conventions and makes room for an intelligent, engaging, and thoroughly creepy viewing experience. Because of its subtle attention to character development and intriguing plotting, it will appeal to a wide spectrum of audiences, not just those who are fans of the horror genre.