I Sell the Dead

I Sell the Dead, a dark comic horror film released in 2008, blends the macabre with the humorous in a story spanned over 17 remarkable years. Directed by Glenn McQuaid, this film boasts a cast led by Dominic Monaghan (who also co-produced), Ron Perlman, and Larry Fessenden.

Monaghan, instantly recognisable for his roles in "The Lord of the Rings" franchise and the television series "Lost", takes center stage as Arthur Blake, a graveyard robber in 18th-century Ireland. His character's unsettling profession takes viewers on an eccentric journey through mysterious, eerie, and comic plotlines. Opposite him, Fessenden plays Willie Grimes, Arthur's criminal accomplice and mentor, providing a gritty and amusing foil to Monaghan's lead role. Ron Perlman, most prominently known for his title role in "Hellboy" and his performance in "Sons of Anarchy", rounds out the main cast as Father Duffy, a menacing and curious monk who probes into Arthur's life, serving as the narrative's principal catalyst.

The movie unspools against an atmospheric backdrop that straddles the line between Gothic horror and the slapstick. The narrative unfolds as a series of flashbacks, unveiling the unique and unsavory occupation of our protagonists - grave robbing, which is as unsavory as it is profitable. The script intricately intertwines these recollections, offering an intricate tapestry of unique characters and intriguing encounters that are both morbidly funny and grotesquely scary. The graveyard robbers don't just scavenge ordinary corpses—they often stumble upon bodies imbued with the supernatural, including vampires and zombies, which add a spooky twist to the tale.

I Sell the Dead is not your typical horror story; it injects generous amounts of humor into its macabre set-up. This movie deftly balances horror, dark fantasy, and comedy to provide a viewing experience that is as quirky as its title. The interaction between Arthur and Willie, with their bumbling antics and inevitable frictions, adds layers of comic relief throughout the narrative, often in the most unexpected ways. This engaging dynamic is a testament to the chemistry between Monaghan and Fessenden, both of whom play off each other impressively well throughout the film.

The production value stands out as well, with the filmmakers giving attention to the intricate set designs and costumes that accurately depict the film's time period. The use of practical effects over computer-generated ones for the supernatural elements adds an authentic sense of horror to the proceedings. Additionally, the filmmakers utilize an atmospheric cinematography style that echoes old-school horror classics. Contrasting the grim stories with whimsical and colourful backgrounds gives an eerie yet intriguing milieu that attratively paints each frame.

Even as I Sell the Dead tells a story set in the grimmest of occupations, it never loses sight of its sardonic wit. The script is filled with unexpected comedic lines sprinkled within frightening scenes, which might seem incongruous in any other setting but here it works perfectly, making the movie even more enjoyable and refreshingly different.

The blend of gallows humor and sinister situations is aided by excellent performances from the cast. Dominic Monaghan provides a compelling portrayal of a troubled man who navigates through bizarre experiences with a mix of nonchalance and disbelief. Ron Perlman lends an unsettling aura to Father Duffy with his strong acting skills. Larry Fessenden, with his knack for comic timing, gives a memorable performance that adds richness to the storytelling.

All in all, I Sell the Dead is a film that delights in its eccentricities. It is able to weave together the grimness of its subject with a tangible levity, ultimateley leading to an enjoyable movie-going experience for audiences interested in a unique take on horror-comedy. From its dramatic time period setting to its engaging performances and dark, comedic narrative, I Sell the Dead is proof that you can find humor in even the most unlikely of places. Amongst grave robbers, vampires and zombies, viewers are treated to numerous tantalisingly odd and ghoulish delights.