I'll Take Your Dead

I'll Take Your Dead serves as an enticing mix of horror, crime, and family drama genres. The 2018 film, directed by Chad Archibald and scripted by Jayme Laforest, presents a unique, eerie narrative that deftly handles elements of the supernatural while grounded in intense human emotion.

The central character of the story is William, played by the brilliant actor Aidan Devine. William leads an unorthodox yet desperate life on an isolated farm. He is relinquished to a pariah existence, feared by his neighbors and the local populace due to his unconventional trade – disposing of bodies for gangsters. William, however, is essentially a good man caught in a grim situation, a reluctant participant in the criminal underworld, serving as the clean-up man for city gangsters who deliver their executed rivals to his doorstep.

A single father, William grapples with the unwelcome task of processing corpses while desperately working to provide a normal life for his young daughter Gloria, played by Ava Preston. Gloria is a girl on the cusp of adolescence, showing dynamic characteristics that oscillate between fear and fascination for her father's line of work. Ava's nuanced portrayal of Gloria adds a critical dimension to the narrative, as her curious nature draws her into the supernatural underbelly of her mundane existence.

The calm waters of their secluded life are roughened when one of the 'dead' bodies, a woman named Jackie (Jess Salgueiro), turns out to be alive. Although initially horrified, William and Gloria rescue and nurse her, even though her presence heightens the dangerous situation they're already in. Jackie’s past is embroiled with peril linked to menacing city gangsters who would readily kill to ensure their secret deeds remain hidden.

Jess Salgueiro delivers an impressive performance, channeling fear, gratitude, and impending destiny as Jackie, drawing the viewers into her fraught, emotional journey. The chemistry between Jess, Aidan, and Ava creates an unsettling yet engaging dynamic, driving the narrative forward with suspense and intrigue. A psychological struggle unfolds as these complex characters grapple with circumstances that blend the fearful supernatural with the dangerous reality.

I'll Take Your Dead deviates from typical horror movie tropes, experimenting with the genre by injecting components of a crime thriller and family drama. The premise of the dead returning as haunting apparitions amplifies the horror aspect, intertwining it remarkably well with the crime-driven narrative, as the living engage with slain gangsters. The dynamic among William, Gloria, and Jackie also presents an explorative study of family, loyalty, and desperation.

This film, set mostly in the farmhouse's claustrophobic and eerie environment, showcases Chad Archibald's talent as a director. He meticulously uses the setting to maintain a taut, atmospheric narrative pace. With minimal characters, the storyline remains concentrated, allowing the audience to fully connect with the characters' individual and collective journeys.

Yet the most intriguing aspect of 'I'll Take Your Dead' remains its approach to the supernatural. Instead of overblown special effects or jump scares, the film leans into psychological horror. The ghostly apparitions are not just frightening figures but evoke earnest sentiments, hinting towards profound themes of guilt, reconciliation, and atonement. The supernatural element also serves as a metaphorical layer, subtly reflecting on the macabre yet essential work William does for the outside world.

I'll Take Your Dead is a gripping cinematic experience that seamlessly combines multiple genres. It hinges on the performances of Aidan Devine, Ava Preston, and Jess Salgueiro, whose diverse and layered character arcs uphold the movie's unsettling ambiance. Filled with moments of terror, suspense, and emotional unrest, it is a movie that lingers in the audience's psyche long after the credits roll. Thanks to its distinctively handled supernatural theme, it stands out in the realm of horror cinema, offering a uniquely intriguing watch for audiences inclined towards thought-provoking, unconventional horror.