The Gallows Act II

The Gallows Act II is a 2019 horror film directed and written by Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff. The sequel to the 2015 film "The Gallows" is an adrenaline-pumping ride through the psychological, filled with suspense and eerie scenes that cater precisely to the realm of paranormal horror. The movie stays true to its genre, providing fans with a horrifying cinematic narrative worth losing sleep over.

The film focuses on the aspiring actress Auna Rue, brilliantly portrayed by Ema Horvath. Auna is a young, naive and ambitious girl who joins a prestigious conservatory to fulfill her dreams and escape her humdrum existence. She is introduced as a somewhat stereotypical aspiring actress, lonely and unnoticed. However, her obscurity does not last long when she stumbles upon a viral challenge based on a real-life tragic event of a school play called "The Gallows."

Emboldened by the promise of fame, Auna decides to participate in the online "Charlie Challenge," where participants read lines from the cursed play, "The Gallows." Her videos start getting noticed, and she becomes a viral sensation overnight. However, with newfound attention comes an onslaught of threatening supernatural phenomena. Haunting visions, mannequin-like figures, and eerie occurrences become all too frequent as the malevolent spirit of Charlie Grimille, the boy who died during the original production of "The Gallows," begins to occupy her life.

Corresponding with Auna's tryst with the virtual realm is her budding relationship with Cade Parker, played by Chris Milligan, a fellow acting student at the conservatory. While his character adds a romantic subplot, it also provides some relief amidst the plethora of horror sequences.

In a supporting role, Brittany Falardeau plays Lisa Rue, Auna's elder sister. Her character brings a warm and real dynamic to the film, as an older sibling concerned for the safety of her sister and struggling to understand the chilling occurrences that have started to unravel their lives.

The Gallows Act II boldly embraces the found-footage style of its precursor, masterfully incorporating it with a mix of traditional cinematic shots. The combination adds a sense of urgency and reality, effectively shaking the audience's nerves while immersing them in the baffling mystery of the gallows. This stylistic choice amplifies the narrative's dramatic tension and makes it even more unsettling.

Moreover, the movie retains its predecessor's atmospheric dread, eliciting fear more from its chilling thrills than from gratuitous gore. The emphasis is placed on the power of suggestion and suspense to intensify the scare factor. The result is a complex web of enigma and horror supported by the spectral soundscape, tailored light-work, disconcerting camera angles, and unsettling visual effects.

The narrative explores not only the traditional horror tropes but delves into relevant themes such as the hunger for fame, the pitfalls of social media's instant gratification, and the lengths people are willing to go to gain popularity. The movie's unique combination of contemporary themes mixed with a classic horror plot allows the viewer to not only enjoy the film but reflect upon their relationship with fame, social media, and fear as well.

Performance-wise, Ema Horvath shines as Auna Rue, effectively rendering the character's transition from a desperate wannabe actress to a terrified victim of the paranormal. Chris Milligan as Cade Parker and Brittany Falardeau as Lisa Rue, bring depth and realness to their characters, enriching the narrative.

To conclude, The Gallows Act II is a roller-coaster ride of intense scares, suspenseful sequences, and a classic horror narrative. Although the movie ventures into well-worn terrains with the haunted play and ghostly apparitions, the inclusion of modern-day obsessions with internet fame provides an intriguing twist. The film thrives on its atmospheric horror and standout performances, making it an interesting watch for fans of the genre. Whether you're into suspense, horror, or psychological thrillers, The Gallows Act II will keep you hooked until the very end.