Late Fee

Late Fee is an independent horror anthology film from 2009. Created by directors Carl Morano and John Carchietta, the film stars J.D. Brown, Stephanie Danielson, and Rick Poli, emerging talents who contribute to making this low-budget feature an engrossing tense fest. Categorized under 'supernatural horror', Late Fee offers mystery, suspense, gore, and all the elements that horror fans cherish.

The story begins with a young couple, portrayed by Stephanie Danielson and J.D. Brown, who are strapped for cash and decide to spend a quiet Halloween night at home, engrossing themselves in a couple of horror movies from an old-school movie rental store. Boasting an aura of nostalgia, the movie takes us back to a time before digital streaming services. In the scary ambience of Halloween, they decide to rent two obscure horror videos. They are explicitly informed about the penalty of a late fee and about the ominous rules: return by midnight or pay an unimaginable price. The couple brushes it off, but as the narrative unfolds, the audience is left wondering whether this late fee is more than a monetary fine. The scenario becomes more complex when the couple realizes that they've lost track of time.

The two horror films within Late Fee that the couple watches are actually short films themselves, "The Pick Up" and "Damnation". These shorts weave dual horror narratives that piece together to form the greater puzzle that is Late Fee, adding to the overall suspense and unpredictability of the movie.

"The Pick Up" has its grounding in urban mythology and explores the theme of doppelgängers. The relentless tension and the sudden plot twists around this phenomenon raise frightening questions about identity and reality. The eerie elements of the plot are further intensified by the acting performance of Rick Poli, who provides an impressive portrayal of mysterious characters.

The second flick, "Damnation", is more towards supernatural horror genre. It tells the story of a man who gets trapped in a horrifying situation, where he's deeply disturbed by the guilt of his deeds and must pay a substantial price for his misgivings. This short tale becomes an unfolding nightmare, chilling the already spooked audience to the bone with its chilling special effects.

Late Fee's Halloween setting creates a spooky atmosphere, while the darkly lit scenes enhance the sensation of suspense and horror. Despite the budget constraints, the special effects, lighting, and set design aid in maintaining a steady flow of horror and suspense.

Stephanie Danielson and J.D. Brown convincingly depict a regular young couple thrown into a terrifying vortex of events. Their performances render scenes of suspense and terror palpable to the audience. Rick Poli also contributes to the horror and suspense throughout the film with a memorable performance.

Another interesting aspect of Late Fee is its exploration of the repercussions of seemingly simple actions. It is a journey into understanding what happens when we discard warnings. The film reveals how, sometimes, paying a price can range beyond the familiar territory of money and wealth.

Late Fee manages to stimulate an atmosphere filled with suspense and fear, the hallmark of any successful horror film. From the uncertainties of urban legends to supernatural debacles, Late Fee relentlessly unnerves the audience and leaves them guessing about the final outcomes.

In conclusion, Late Fee is a thrilling horror film that harkens back to the old-school chilling films. It incorporates sheer suspense and fear, delivered impressively by the cast. For those who appreciate an intense horror film peppered with surprising twists and spine-chilling suspense, Late Fee is a one-way ticket into a nightmare filled journey. Late Fee is a treat for traditional horror fans who enjoy being on the edge of their seats.