Stormhouse

Stormhouse is a captivating 2011 British supernatural horror movie, directed by Dan Turner. The story conceptually derives from an intriguing fabricated premise that says - during the last few months of the Iraq invasion in 2002, the British military captured a supernatural entity, and have stored it in a secret facility - the code name for it being 'Stormhouse'. This entity is not seen, but its ominous presence is felt, making the 'Stormhouse' an epitome of chilling dread and darkness.

The movie boasts a stellar cast, including Grant Masters, Patrick Flynn, and Katherine Flynn, all of whom bring compelling performances that glue the audience to the screen. The story takes an interesting turn with the arrival of Hayley Sands, an American ghost whisperer, played seamlessly by Katherine Flynn. Hayley is invited by the military to communicate with this unseen entity. Unaware of the gravity of the situation, she approaches the entity and comes face-to-face with an entity that's more terrifying than anything she'd ever experienced.

Grant Masters plays the role of Major Anthony Lester who is in charge of 'Stormhouse.' He is a world-weary, pragmatic soldier who is challenged by Hayley's presence and her apparent sensitivity towards the entity they have captured. Despite being skeptical, he provides Hayley with the access she needs, knowing very well it might compromise their safety. Patrick Flynn puts on a great performance as Richard, another military man trying to deal with the overwhelming presence of the entity inside 'Stormhouse.'

'Stormhouse' keeps the audience on their toes through its chilling narrative, ensuring that the tension never sags throughout the movie. Keeping the entity unseen is a distinctive narrative device, keeping the audiences guessing and allowing their imaginations to run wild. The movie is more about the unseen, the unexpressed, and the eerie feeling of something present yet not visible.

'Stormhouse' is an effective study in suspense and trepidation, relying less on visual horror and more on psychological terror. The production uses moody lighting, very tight and closed spaces, and a pervasive sense of impending doom to create a very gripping atmosphere. The sound design also stands out prominently in 'Stormhouse.' The way the silence is used, broken by whispers or sudden noises, greatly contributes to the sense of terror prevalent throughout the film.

The characters developed by director Turner and his team are also complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own past, fears, and secrets. There's also an interesting dynamic and tension that builds between Hayley and Major Lester as they navigate the circumstances they find themselves in. The confident and fearless Hayley finds herself grappling with an entity far more complex and terrifying than ghosts she is used to dealing with. Major Lester, on the other hand, tries to deal with the situation in the only way he knows – like a soldier prepared for battle.

'Stormhouse,' with its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and unnerving atmosphere, keeps the audience immersed in its eerie world right till the end. It's a movie rich in atmospheric chills and thrills and takes audiences on a frightening ride into the unknown. While it is based on supernatural elements, the movie is also very human in the way it portrays fear and the extremes that people will go to when they are pushed to the edge.

Overall, Dan Turner's 'Stormhouse' is a skillfully crafted horror movie that places atmosphere and suspense over gore and visual terror. Its slow-burn pacing and high-tension narrative make it a deeply affecting horror flick that will haunt you long after the credits roll. If you're a fan of psychological horror that makes your imagination run wild, 'Stormhouse' is a must-watch.