Show Yourself

Show Yourself is a 2016 indie psychological horror film, providing an insightful, melancholic, and at times beautiful exploration of life, death, and the supernatural.

The movie seeks to give meaningful undertones to the genre, moving beyond the typical jump scares and blood spills commonly associated with horror movies. Directed by Billy Ray Brewton, Show Yourself stars Ben Hethcoat, Corsica Wilson, and Barak Hardley in the lead roles, all delivering commendable performances that evoke a blend of emotional depth and mystery designed to keep viewers engaged.

In Show Yourself, Ben Hethcoat portrays the character of "Will," an actor who has been experiencing internal turmoil following the death of his best friend, Paul. In hopes of finding solace, Will decides to take a solitary trip to a secluded cabin in the woods, largely untouched by modern conveniences. As he moves through the wilderness, we are offered glimpses of Will's personal life and his struggle — a testament to Hethcoat's skill in emotionally charged scenes and creating nuanced characters.

Corsica Wilson plays the role of Will's girlfriend, "Carla," providing necessary emotional grounding for the protagonist. Her character's calm nature contrasts with Will's heightened anxiety, and she begins to worry about him when he starts to exhibit unusual behaviors. Wilson's performance perfectly encapsulates a lover's fear, concern, and helplessness. Carla's dependence on technology and her urban environment serve as a counterpoint to Will's isolated, primitive setting, offering a thought-provoking commentary on our reliance on modern conveniences and how they affect our perceptions of reality.

Rounding out the cast is Barak Hardley, who plays the role of Will's late friend, "Paul." Although Paul is no longer alive, his presence is powerfully felt throughout the film. Hardley's portrayal adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, effectively representing the weight of grief on the living and contributing to the escalating suspense.

What sets Show Yourself apart from typical horror fare is its thoughtfulness in exploring themes of grief, guilt, and loss. It delves into the raw and painful process of mourning, simultaneously portraying the human struggle to understand the concept of death.

The movie's atmospheric horror builds gradually through a clever combination of cinematographic technique, focused direction, and a haunting score. Rather than relying purely on visual effects for impact, the film uses well-crafted dialogue, atmospheric sounds, and an intense score to build suspense and make the audience uncomfortable. The beautiful scenery of the forest contrasts and heightens the eerie tension experienced by Will, further playing upon the fears of the unknown prevalent in horror narratives.

Throughout the movie, elements of the supernatural are subtly hinted at but never fully revealed, causing viewers to question the reality of what's happening and encouraging a second watch to fully appreciate the narrative's complexities. The film does not forget its horror roots, and there are suitably tense encounters and creepy moments, but it uses these rather sparingly to create a more impactful horror experience.

Furthermore, the movie's pacing gives it a more introspective feel, taking the time to develop its characters and narrative. The slow unraveling of the plot keeps the audience engaged, as they seek answers along with Will. The distress of isolation, coupled with guilt and grief, slowly chips away at Will's mental health, culminating in a tense, scary, and emotionally charged finale.

Show Yourself is an exemplar in the field of indie horror, setting itself apart from its peers through a blend of poignant storytelling, impressive performance, subtle horror elements, and detailed character development. Brewton's vision and execution have resulted in a film that transcends genres and serves as a psychological study of the human condition, making it a must-watch for those seeking a deeper kind of horror experience.