Scary Tales: Last Stop

Scary Tales: Last Stop (2015) is an anthology horror film directed by horror aficionado Geno McGahee and features actors Chris Geoffrion, Leeann Aubuchon, and Xoe Rose in standout performances. If you have an affinity for anthology-style storytelling with the added flavor of horror and suspense, this movie is intended for you.

The main story, which acts as the narrative glue binding the series of tales together, concerns a late-night radio DJ and his offbeat caller’s mission to share the most terrifying stories he has heard. The main cast's performance here, including Geoffrion's nuanced depiction of the raconteur caller and Aubuchon’s engaging portrayal of the intrigued DJ, sets the stage for the horror-filled tales to follow and keeps the audience invested in what's coming next.

The film takes inspiration from classic anthology series like "Tales from the Crypt" or "The Twilight Zone," and invokes thrilling and dark narratives to offer a similar kind of encounter. Instead of dwelling on gratuitous violence or gore, the movie focuses on triggering primal fears, creating an environment of suspense and dread that is more psychological than visceral.

Director Geno McGahee manages to infuse his unique style into some well-known horror tropes and stories. These tales range from a masked killer on the loose, to an eerily familiar haunted house story, and a chilling account of an unfortunate traveler. Then, there's the doll! Out of all the tales within the anthology, the story of a women's bewildering experience with a creepy doll is something that symbolizes an unnerving ambiance with psychological chills.

The performances in these individual stories, with special applause for Xoe Rose, manage to get under your skin and unsettle with their character portrayals. Xoe Rose in particular seemingly effortless in evoking sympathy before spiraling toward chaotic infatuation. The different stories, each with its distinct narrative style, work to target different aspects of horror, from paranoia to claustrophobia, from supernatural terror to the chilling dread of the unknown.

The cinematography of the film adds another layer to its horror anthology style. Cinematographer Jesse Richards makes good use of stark contrasts, moody lighting, and unsettling angles. These factors not only heighten the sense of dread but also give the film a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from many contemporary horror pieces. The low-budget nature of the film doesn't hinder its ability to scare, but rather adds a raw, unpolished quality that suits the movie's overall premise.

The sound design in the film also complements the narrative ambition. The soundtrack uses a combination of tension-filled scores and well-placed silence, enhancing the suspense and contributing to the uneasiness. The sudden stillness, the alarming retort of a creaking door, and the subtle, eerie background music all play a crucial role in manipulating the audience's emotions.

However, Scary Tales: Last Stop is not just a pure horror movie. The presence of elements of black comedy sprinkled within the storyline offers comic relief at the most unexpected moments, putting a unique spin on the tales and providing brief respite from the heart-stopping scares. The balance between horror and comedy is not easy to achieve, but McGahee pulls it off, adding more dimension to his film.

In summary, Scary Tales: Last Stop successfully brings together various facets of horror while weaving in a few laughs along the way. Terrifying in its unpredictability, this anthology is a rollercoaster ride of chills and thrills—one that any lover of the genre will not want to miss. The shrieks, gasps, and laughter invoked in its audience are a testament to the success of its storytelling approach, presenting horror in a way that is creepy, unsettling, and delightfully enjoyable, all at the same time. A tribute to classic horror anthology series, this movie is a must-watch for anyone seeking nightmarish tales woven into a memorable shared narrative.