Neverknock

Neverknock is a chilling independent Canadian horror film, directed by the talented Sheldon Wilson. It hit the screens in 2017 and quickly claimed a place among modern horror classics. The movie boasts an exceptional cast which includes Dominique Provost-Chalkley of "Wynonna Earp" fame, Jodelle Ferland, known for her roles in horror thrillers like "Silent Hill," and Kiana Madeira from "Dark Matter."

The plot of Neverknock provides a fresh take on the typical haunted house scenario, intelligently blending the genres of horror, suspense, and fantasy. The story spins an eerie narrative around an urban legend, which states that one should never knock on the door of an abandoned house on Halloween night, as the door itself is said to be the gateway to an unknown, malevolent entity.

Dominique Provost-Chalkley takes on the role of Grace, a young woman who has recently moved to town with her younger brother. Grace takes up a job as a babysitter, but her world soon unravels when she learns about the haunted house's ominous history. Grace, intending to debunk this chilling town tale and put the people at ease, decides to provoke the entity and ends up knocking on the door of the cursed house, triggering an unseen force that seeks revenge on anyone that had dared to knock.

Jodelle Ferland plays Sydney, the local knowledgeable guide to the town's hidden and darker secrets. Throughout the movie, Sydney provides vital background information about the hundreds of years old, eerie legend, often endeavouring to steer her friends away from the lethal path of the haunted house. Sydney brings a rational perspective to the movie, allowing the viewers to analyze the plot critically without losing the essence of the horror genre.

Kiana Madeira, who portrays Jenna, is one of Grace's friends and her staunch believer. When the urban legend turns into a real menace, Jenna stands beside Grace as they attempt to face the chilling entity. The way Jenna's character overlays friendship's importance in adverse times is one of the notable aspects of the movie.

A significant part of the charm of the movie is the ever-so-intense setting that evolves around it. Filmed in a small, enclosed suburban town, Neverknock plays upon the isolation of the setting, the darkness, and the cold chill of late October, creating an atmosphere laden with suspense and fear. The atmosphere established by the film brings the viewers to the edge of their seats, as the eerie entity could lurk around any of the town's corners.

What sets Neverknock apart is how it maintains suspense and fear throughout the film. Minimal use of gore and violence is one of the film's strong suits, utilizing more psychological aspects of horror instead. The haunting fear of what happens when someone knocks on the door, amplified by an array of engaging sound-effects and effective cinematography, craft the chilling narrative rather than the physical manifestations of the supernatural.

The director, Sheldon Wilson, who has a reputation for his knack for creating movies with chilling atmospheres, goes beyond the typical storytelling methods in Neverknock. He synergizes relatable characters and their interpersonal relationships with a haunting narrative, resulting in a multilayered, tense, and thrilling horror film.

In conclusion, Neverknock brings a breath of fresh air into the horror genre with its unique take on a haunted house story. Its excellent cast performances, effective use of the setting, and balanced blend of psychological and physical scares make it a must-watch for aficionados of the horror genre. Indulge in an evening of thrilling suspense as you join the characters in their quest to uncover the secrets of the entity that hides behind the door of the cursed house in their town.