Halloween at Aunt Ethel's

Halloween at Aunt Ethel's is a quirky and eccentric mix of black comedy, horror, and thriller from the year 2019. It is directed by Joseph Mazzaferro and stars Chris Cavalier, Melissa Daddio, Sean Michael Gloria, each of whom contribute their distinct talents to weave a story that's as strange as its title suggests.

The movie begins in the small town of Miskatonic, which in itself is an allusion to Lovecraft's universe and sets the tone and backdrop for the unfolding events. The town has but one universal rule that everyone from young to old is quite aware of - avoid Aunt Ethel's house, especially during Halloween. This intriguing reputation of Aunt Ethel has fascinated the curiosity of the town's people for years.

Chris Cavalier portrays mad Aunt Ethel, a cranky old woman who's a pariah and, quite intimidatingly, lives alone in her dilapidated mansion on the outskirts of the town. Her character is shrouded in mystery and unfounded rumors, alluding to her strange habits and unobtrusive nature. Cavalier does a fantastic job in bringing life to this eccentric character, supported by an equally eerie and macabre environment.

Melissa Daddio stars as the adventurous and sassy Jackie, a high school senior, whose hobbies include, among other things, poking her nose around the town's secrets. With her gang of troublesome misfits, including Mike (played by Michael Kenneth Fahr) - the jock, and Justin (played by Sean Michael Gloria) - the intelligent guy, they're rebellious enough to challenge the sacred taboo involving Aunt Ethel’s house.

The story gains momentum when Jackie, bored with her mundane life, yearns for an exciting adventure and decides to uncover the truth about Aunt Ethel. Woven into the narrative are humorous elements, as Jackie and her group of friends make their plan to go on this ‘hauntingly exciting’ adventure during Halloween.

Aunt Ethel’s house, standing as a forbidding entity is an ingenious character itself in the movie. The production design of the house, both inside and out is cleverly done. It is frightening yet beckoning, filled with antique furniture combined with a stark paucity of modernity, which adds to the suspense and horror.

The cinematography of Halloween at Aunt Ethel's wonderfully complements the screenplay, enhancing the eerie aura of the town and Ethel's house with a blend of dark & hushed tones. It gives the film its distinct identity, immersing viewers into a world infused with a mystery that escalates to bedlam.

Daddio's character Jackie is a standout, as she fully embodies the spirit of a fearless and stubborn teenager eager to delve into the clandestine and prove the town's myths wrong. On the other hand, Sean Michael Gloria as Justin is the contrasting character, being more practical and logical, bringing a stable and calming presence amidst the chaos brewing.

Although Halloween at Aunt Ethel's fits into the horror genre, it doesn't solely rely on typical horror elements. Instead, it builds its allure via character-driven narrative and entries of lighter moments interspersed with unpredictable twists, providing ample comedic relief.

One noticeable quality of the film is its dialogue - unique, engaging and at times, packed with sarcasm making the interactions between characters a delight to watch. This, coupled with the focused narrative, makes the film a distinctive piece in the domain of indie horror cinema.

Even though Halloween at Aunt Ethel's is a low-budget indie film, it outshines many of its counterparts with the compelling storytelling, fascinating characters, well-crafted sets, thought-provoking dialogues and the perfect blend of horror and comedy. The actors, particularly Cavalier, Daddio, and Gloria, demonstrate impressive performances, successfully bringing this chilling tale to life.

In essence, Halloween at Aunt Ethel's defies the traditional norms of a horror movie and entertains viewers with its twisted plot and layered characters. This film proves that even in a low-budget scenario, creativity and unforgettable performances can create a cinematic experience that engrosses its audience, giving them a spine-chilling tale to remember long after the Halloween candy is gone.