Restoration

Restoration, released in 2016, is a gripping tale that seamlessly blends the genres of horror, thriller, and mystery, resulting in a rollercoaster journey of suspense, surreal occurrences, and shocking revelations. Exhibiting powerful performances by Emily O'Brien, Adrian Gaeta, and Zack Ward, the film serves a captivating narrative that keeps the viewers on edge until the very end.

The story of Restoration revolves around the lives of married couple Sam (played by Emily O'Brien) and Todd Jordan (played by Adrian Gaeta), two dedicated medical professionals who have just moved into their dream house in Reston, Virginia to begin a new chapter of their life. As they settle into their new home and neighborhood, they experience a series of strange occurrences and unearth an unutterable secret within the walls of their historic house, which hints at a terrifying past.

While renovating their house, they discover an old teddy bear hidden within one of the walls. Inside the teddy bear, they come across a diary belonging to a disturbed child. As time passes, the teddy bear starts to show signs of a life of its own, beginning a string of bizarre activities that haunt the couple.

Sam, a dedicated pediatrician with a soft corner for children, is deeply moved by the diary and the haunting teddy bear. She starts investigating the dark history surrounding the previous occupants of the house, embarking on an exploration that leads her to disturbing revelations and a mystery which seems too horrific to comprehend.

On the other hand, Todd Jordan finds solace in his friendship with the local cop, Officer Harold (played by Zack Ward). Harold witnesses some of the strange phenomena first-hand, which convinced him that the Jordans' house is not just an ordinary suburban home. Together, they set off to unravel the house's cruel past and the haunting mystery associated with it.

The film is further heightened by the suggestion of supernatural entities and psychological elements that blur the line between reality and illusion. The pace of the plot is skillfully managed, seamlessly shifting from the tranquility of their first few days in the house to the intense course of experiences they face later on. Each scare is carefully curated to build up to an emotionally charged climax.

Emily O'Brien is particularly striking as Sam Jordan, presenting a multi-faceted performance that captures the essence of a strong woman choosing to face her fears. Her descent into the depths of the house's dark past and her struggle to make sense of the eerie occurrences are expertly portrayed, making her character both believable and relatable.

Adrian Gaeta convincingly portrays Todd Jordan, a man torn between his initial skepticism and the growing fear that perhaps there is something haunting them. Zack Ward's character, Officer Harold, provides a dimension of support, skepticism, and practicality, making the trio's dynamics interesting and providing comic relief at crucial intersections.

Restoration is directed by Zack Ward, who skillfully uses the eerie backdrop of the house and its environs to escalate the tension and mystery. The screenplay is co-written by James Cullen Bressack and Zack Ward, which employs several elements: the allure of a crumbled past, psychological suspense, and well-timed horror attributes to make the viewer question reality at every turn.

Cinematographer John DeFazio effectively uses lighting and angles to create an atmosphere of suspense, and the music score by John Levin complements the overall essence of the film. Editor Ethan Maniquis aptly adjusts the pace of the narrative, striking a perfect balance between the build-up and the mystery to sustain the suspense.

In summary, Restoration is a captivating cinematic experience that combines horror, mystery, and psychological thriller elements. With stunning performances and a gripping storyline, it ensures that the audience is kept on tenterhooks till the very end. The film also stands out by taking common horror tropes and presenting them with a different, psychologically nuanced perspective. Regardless of whether you are a fan of jump-scares or deeply woven stories of darkness, Restoration proves to be a worthy watch, leaving you questioning what truly lurks within the heart of our homes and our very selves.