The Inhabitants

In the 2015 supernatural movie, The Inhabitants, directors Michael and Shawn Rasmussen delve into the realms of horror and suspense that keep you hooked until the end. They bring together a delectable mix of scare tactics, brooding tension, and unnerving quietness that sends chills down your spine. The movie features commendable performances by Elise Couture, Michael Reed and Judith Chaffee.

The Inhabitants trails the journey of a young couple, Jessica (Elise Couture) and Dan (Michael Reed), who venture into a new phase of their life by purchasing a quaint and historically enthralled Bed & Breakfast in New England. This charming yet ancient house, with its creaks and groans, is seemingly an embodiment of timeless love stories and forgotten tales, dating back to the 17th century. With dreams of breathing new life into the old building, their main objective is to renovate it and turn it into a profitable venture.

Jessica and Dan are captivated by the building’s past. The previous owner was a kind, elderly woman (Judith Chaffee), full of intriguing stories about the house and its lineage. Hidden behind these stories was a more sinister past that warns of a haunting presence. Flawlessly flipping the narrative between past and present, directors weave a tale of long-drawn history, mysterious secrets, and disturbing occurrences after the purchase of the house.

As the initial excitement fades, haunting instances begin to disrupt Jessica and Dan's dream of a simple life in this beautiful house. The unnerving events, escalating in intensity, start to pose a threat to Jessica who appears to be the main target of these bizarre occurrences. The couple's dream slowly turns into a nightmare as they become victims of the eerie history of the house that refuses to lay dormant.

Jessica, brilliantly portrayed by Elise Couture, grows increasingly strange in her behavior following these strange occurrences. Her performance is haunting, disconcerting yet captivating, inviting viewers into an intimate journey of bafflement, torment, and fear. Michael Reed, playing the role of Dan, equally delivers an admirable performance as a concerned and confused husband who strives to understand the increasingly unnerving situation and find a way out of it.

Judith Chaffee in the role of the previous owner enchants with her enigmatic story-telling, leaving the audiences to dwell in the mysteries of the house long past her screen time. Her short yet compelling performance provides the initial backdrop of the events that are yet to follow, setting the tone of the storyline.

The Inhabitants makes an effective use of a compact cast, allocating significant screen time to the starring roles, which ensures well-rounded character arcs and well-fleshed out performances. The film is laudable for maintaining a steady pace of suspense, reluctant to rush through its narrative, thus offering a detailed view into the lives of the characters, their interactions and their reactions to the mysterious events surrounding them.

Filmed in the historic Noyes-Parris House, the location adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story. The direful atmosphere, enhanced by the muted color palette and the ambient noises, weaves a visually stunning yet ominous setting. Eerie silence juxtaposed with sudden dramatic sequences deem it a remarkable addition to the horror genre.

The movie showcases bullseye use of camera angles and lighting giving depth and gravitas to the ominous environment around the ancient house. The filmmakers display a knack for creating a creepy atmosphere with sounds and visuals that heightens the tense narrative. Unusually silent moments, creaking doors, abrupt noises, shadowy hallways - all play into creating a gripping horror narrative that deftly balances the rhythm of suspense and scare.

In conclusion, The Inhabitants, driven by strong performances, a compelling narrative and atmospheric horror, is a must-watch for fans of supernatural and horror genres. It stands as an engaging and mature horror film that dives into the theme of haunted houses with intelligence and creative storytelling. It will have audiences on the edge of their seats, leaving them with a lingering sense of unease and admiration for its atmospheric tension long after the screen fades to black.