Scream At The Devil

Scream at the Devil, a psychological horror film from 2015, marries the concepts of mental health and supernatural evil, presenting a chilling narrative that's as thought-provoking as it is downright terrifying. Directed by Joseph P. Stachura, this harrowing tale stars award-winning actress Shari Shattuck (The Young and the Restless), Eric Etebari (2 Fast 2 Furious), and Jane Park Smith (Miss Asian America).

The film takes off with Shattuck portraying the character of Mirium Jones, a successful artist battling a crumbling marriage and declining mental health. With her mind already clouded with inner demons and her life teetering on the edge of chaos, Jones and her husband, Gabriel (played convincingly by Eric Etebari), embark on a journey to Italy hoping to find solace and reignite the flickering flames of their relationship.

While in Italy, Jones becomes intrigued by a peculiar looking artifact in a local antique shop. Intriguing and frightening in equal measure, this Satanic relic holds a sinister secret that Jones unknowingly uncovers. This event spirals her life into a more terrifying abyss, leading her mental state to rapidly deteriorate.

Returning to their Los Angeles home, Jones begins to experience chilling encounters with supposed demonic entities. The labyrinthine storyline takes viewers on a disturbing roller-coaster ride brimming with dark symbolism, menacing figures and ominous occurrences. Leaving viewers in a state of constant question and uncertainty, it tantalises our notions of reality versus delusion.

Rattled to the core, Jones seeks help from Dr. Freeman (performed expertly by Jane Park Smith), a rational and empathetic psychiatrist. As the story progresses, it cleverly intertwines the themes of science, faith, and the supernatural, often blurring the lines between what is real and what's perceived.

The cinematography harnesses its potential well, utilizing artistic shots paired with dim, moody lighting to create an unsettling atmosphere. The bleak hues and shifting shadows extend a pervasive chill throughout the film. Visual effects have been prudently used to punctuate the horror quotient, especially in sequences involving the demonic presence, adding to the overall eeriness and escalating tension viewers feel. The melodic and often disconcerting score composed by Vasily Shumov accentuates the sense of impending doom, complementing the movie's overall dreadful vibe.

Scream at the Devil advances to an exhilarating finale, leaving audiences wondering about the mysteries of the mind and the terrors that can evolve from it. Not shying away from jump scares and unsettling sequences, the film keeps horror enthusiasts on their toes. Still, it's the way it weaves its sinister premise through the lens of mental health that makes it stand out.

Shattuck deploys an excellent performance as Jones, a woman tormented by an evil spirit and her mind's machinations. She captivates audiences with her breakdowns and unshakable belief in the otherworldly haunting her. On the other hand, Etebari portrays the character of an ambiguous husband, torn between the love for his wife and sympathy for her deteriorating mental health. Jane Park Smith's portrayal of an empathetic psychologist, too, presents the watchful, scientific perspective in the supernatural happenings unfolding throughout the movie.

Scream at the Devil captivates viewers through its exploration of mind, madness and the macabre, showcasing the blurred line between real-life horrors and supernatural fears. For those seeking a film that delves into the overlap of psychological thriller and horror, Scream at the Devil accounts for an engaging watch. With its haunting atmosphere and stirring performances, it isn't a film that's easily forgettable, lingering in your mind long after the credits have rolled. Expect an emotional, thrilling, and profoundly disturbing journey that compels you to question reality and the perceptions that govern it.