My Soul To Keep

My Soul To Keep is a 2019 American horror film that blends surreal terror with the trials and tribulations of growing up. Directed by Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad, the film brings together an impressive young cast composed of Parker Smerek, Remington Gielniak, and Arielle Olkhovsky, in a story that explores the intriguing premise of childhood fears and the chilling consequences that could arise when they turn out to be true.

Parker Smerek plays Eli Braverman, a nine-year-old boy who is both intelligent and imaginative. Eli lives in the suburbs of America, a location that is usually perceived as safe and secure. However, this is not the case for Eli, who believes there is a ghoul living in his basement called the 'Keeper'. This fear of basement dwellers is shared by many other children in the area, but Eli's fear borders obsession. His belief in the existence of such a creature drives him to set up cameras around his house so he can capture it on film.

Remington Gielniak stars as Sam, Eli's loyal and supportive older brother. Sam sees his brother's fear as just another childhood fantasy, but, lovingly, he still stands by Eli's side, supporting his wild theories and investigations. Life is not easy for Sam either, as he has to balance between the challenging, and at times, frustrating job of keeping track of his little brother's unconventional interests, while juggling his own world of school, friends, and adolescence.

Arielle Olkhovsky graces the movie as Emily, the intelligent and courageous girl next door. She forms an interesting bond with Eli, often theorizing and investigating the ghoul's existence together. Emily is convinced that the 'Keeper' is real, which strengthens the bond between the two children.

Their suburban neighborhood is the epicenter for their adventures, which are initially filled with laughs, scares, and even some heartwarming moments. But, when the line between reality and imagination starts to blur, a night of terror that no one expected unfolds, and their lighthearted ghost hunting turns into a real nightmare. Eli, Sam and Emily must then unify their strength, courage, and resilience to confront what they've feared all along.

The supernatural creature, referred to as the 'Keeper', is a character shrouded in mystery and dread. It is a creature of the night, hidden in the shadows, with Eli as its primary antagonist. The Keeper's character is meticulously constructed; it feeds on children's fear, which makes it more frightening and enables it to wreak havoc on the innocence of childhood.

The film effectively plays on the common childhood fear that there’s something lurking in the dark, waiting to snatch us away in our most vulnerable moment. The plot is made even more compelling by the director's skillful combination of the horror genre with family dynamics and the trials of growing up. The movie subtly integrates themes of familial ties, resilience, courage, and the power of belief, all played out against the unifying backdrop of horror.

The film's stunning cinematography adds another layer to the storytelling, with excellent use of light and shadow to create tense, creepy atmospheres that heighten the suspense. Urban legend meets reality in this spine-chilling horror, where crisp dialogues and compelling performances from the young cast intensify the experience for the viewers.

In conclusion, My Soul To Keep is a contemporary horror movie that delves into the exploration of childhood fears, brotherhood, and courage. With its strong acting, a well-paced story, and eerie atmosphere, it's a film that not only offers frights but also weaves a deeper narrative with its relatable and human characters. It showcases fear from a child's perspective, interlaced with the harshest truths about growing up. It's a movie that will provide chills down your spine and leave a lasting impact long after the credits roll.