June

June, a supernatural-horror film released in 2015, presents an eerie narrative about a nine-year-old girl named June, brilliantly portrayed by Kennedy Brice. The 84-minute piece, directed by L. Gustavo Cooper, fabulously weaves together themes of horror, mystery, and spellbinding supernatural elements within its modest runtime.

The film opens with June's emotionally evoking backstory that sets a chilling tone for the entire narrative. June, a young, seemingly innocent girl, has spent a large part of her life traversing around foster homes after surviving a gruesome tragedy that scarred her childhood. Carrying an unsettling aura and exhibiting peculiar behaviors, June is often misunderstood and labeled as problematic by her numerous foster parents.

June is not an ordinary young girl. She carries with her an unusual malevolent force – a supernatural entity she calls "Aer," who impels her to commit grotesque acts, causing horror and confusion around her. These mysterious, recurring episodes alienate her further from the regular lives of children her age. A significant part of the story grapples with the struggle of June trying to comprehend and tame the horrifying powers she possesses.

Emmy Everson, a warm-hearted character portrayed by Victoria Pratt, alongside her husband Dave, played by Eddie Jemison, eventually adopt June, driven by their pensive longing for a child. However, they are entirely oblivious to the dark secrets June carries. As the film progresses, Emmy and Dave must reckon with the shadow that's been following June and decide whether they can provide the love and care that she desperately needs.

The plot carefully unfolds as Emmy and Dave start to witness strange occurrences around their home, linked to June, and begin to grapple with the unfathomable world of supernatural powers. While initially dismissing them as stress-related hallucinations, the couple soon find themselves slowly sucked into the vortex of an unexplained and eerie world that overshadows their simple suburban life.

The plot is intricate but not overwhelming, punctuated by elements of suspense and terror that never relent throughout the narrative. Each eerie twist is carefully designed to amplify the engrossing atmosphere of the movie and unravel new layers of its characters. This artful arrangement of terror and suspense sets June apart in its genre and subverts many cliched norms associated with horror films.

Young Kennedy Brice, in her role as June, delivers a riveting performance, effortlessly transitioning between the innocent, misunderstood nine-year-old and a supernatural grown-up entity influenced by dark forces. Her menacing glare and the innocent curiosity, combined with a lack of understanding about her power, add authenticity and depth to her character. Brice molds her performance with such subtlety and finesse that one can't help but be enraptured by the narrative and her character.

Supporting her is Victoria Pratt as the caring foster mother and Eddie Jemison as the doubting foster father, providing incredible performances that serve as a solid backbone for the narrative. The duo convincingly portrays a complex blend of fear, curiosity, and parental love, adding a wholesome meaning to the narrative.

June, contrary to modern horror movies, relies on its spot-on casting, superior acting skills, and tight storyline to provoke fear rather than using excessive graphic violence or jump scares. The horror is subtle, sophisticated, and yet, sends chills down the spine.

Coming from a director like L. Gustavo Cooper, June is a testament to well-executed storytelling without lavish budgets. It is an out-of-the-box horror-drama that navigates the complexities of fear intertwined with empathy for a nine-year-old whose life is anything but normal.

Overall, June is an intense, thought-provoking movie that manages to keep you on the edge of your seat with its supernatural elements, sharp narrative, and excellent performances. It is a genuinely haunting film that explores dark places of the human condition while also exploring the boundaries of genre filmmaking. Whether you're a fan of the supernatural or just looking for a good fright, June is an unparalleled experience that's sure to leave a lasting impression.