Tales from Six Feet Under

Tales from Six Feet Under is a 2020 black and white horror anthology movie, directed, written, and composed by Nicholas Michael Jacobs, marking his third film to date. The film stars Brian Jacobs, Nicholas himself, and Gianna Jacobs, weaving a tale that encapsulates an inventive blend of horror, humor, and suspense.

The film unfolds in the atmospheric, albeit eerie setting of 'Six Feet Under,' a sprawling esoterically named funeral home, languishing in relative obscurity. The choice to film in black and white adds a distinctive, surreal, almost vintage charm to the film, reminiscent of a bygone era of classic chillers.

The spine-chilling anthology comprises several short stories that cleverly interconnect to encapsulate a sense of panic and fear. Leading the viewers on a journey through its haunted halls, the film jumps between stories quite seamlessly, leading to a prolific narrative flow and building suspenseful expectations.

The first story revolves around the central character played by Brian Jacobs, the keeper of the Six Feet Under funeral home. As the keeper, Brian's naturally brooding charisma encapsulates a somber and creepy air, which is fully in line with the character's demand. He is the constant thread who ties the series of supernatural tales together.

Nicholas Michael Jacobs is not just a creator but also an actor in the horror platter. His part in the film is shrouded in unsettling mystery, creating chilling sequences of suspense and anxiety. His stellar screen presence enhances the fearful ambiance the film tries to convey.

Adding another layer of contrast to the narrative is Gianna Jacobs’ astonishingly raw character. Her performance adds a sinister yet engaging resonance to the storyline. The dynamic interaction between the characters, the fluctuating narratives, and the lingering sense of fear showcasing a distinct narrative craft that throws the audience off balance yet keeps them intrigued.

Backed by a haunting musical score that the director himself composed, the sound effects impeccably elevate the tension, giving a spooky resistance to the fluid narrative. Equally notable is its cinematography. Every frame is meticulously composed with eerie shadows and strategic lighting to exude the exacting elements of fear in every corner.

The engaging plot constructs a cyclical mechanism of intrigue that carefully builds upon each tale's individual themes. They range from the ghastly, terrifying ghost encounters, and strange paranormal activities, to the nerve-wracking jolts and jumps that can unnerve even the most seasoned horror fans.

Tales from Six Feet Under attempts to draw out the unease and suspense and intersperse it with occasional humor - a fine balance that is rare in horror films. Despite its seemingly simplistic premise, the film manages to construct a complex structure that carefully balances suspense, terror, and an element of comedy, creating an intriguing aspect that adds more depth to the narrative.

Appreciated for adhering to the classic horror elements, the movie also garners attention for its inventiveness. The way each tale unfolds in an organic transition of one story into the next is commendable and different from other run-of-the-mill horror flicks. In essence, the movie gives a fresh interpretation of the horror genre while maintaining its quintessential creepy atmosphere.

The film successfully encompasses all the elements of a classic black-and-white horror film, along with unique and personal touches from the filmmaker. Overall, without depending on gratuitous gore or overt violence, Tales from Six Feet Under focuses on building a relentless aura of spine-chilling suspense, typical of old-school horror cinema, yet navigates it in an innovative, contemporary way.

Anthony Porco, the film's editor, also deserves significant attention for the seamless progression of the narrative and his adept transitioning, helping viewers jump across stories and time frames without confusion.

So, buckle up for a roller-coaster ride of frightful delight with Tales from Six Feet Under! This movie promises to captivate and entertain viewers seeking a fresh blend of traditional horror elements with an innovative narrative structure. Exploring the darker, shadowy corners of human fear and superstition, it is a worthy addition to the collection of all devoted fans of horror cinema.