The Parish

The Parish, brought to the screens in 2019, takes viewers on an ominous and chilling journey into the world of the supernatural. Directed by David Hogan, this haunting thriller merges elements of paranormal psychology, horror, and drama. With a seasoned cast consisting of Angela DiMarco, Sanae Loutsis, and Bill Oberst Jr., The Parish aims to delve into the darkest corners of one's psyche and push the boundaries of fear and suspense.

Angela DiMarco plays the role of Liz, the film's lead character. An aggrieved widow, she seeks to escape her traumatic past by moving to a small town with her daughter, played by Sanae Loutsis. DiMarco fittingly portrays the distress, fear, and desperation of a mother fighting her demons while braving an unknown evil to protect her child. Meanwhile, Loutsis, whose character is battling her growing pains and details of her mother's tragic past, beautifully depicts a teenager's struggle to find her place in this unsteady reality.

Bill Oberst Jr., renowned for his work in the horror genre, features as the local priest. Oberst delivers an intricate performance, lending an unsettling and intense aura to his character, who possesses knowledge of the town's eerie history and the malevolent forces that lurk within it.

As the plot unfolds, Liz and her daughter find themselves in a hostile environment, much different from the sanctuary they sought. Subtle hints of the town's grim past coupled with a string of mysterious incidents engender an atmosphere of dread that steadily builds up throughout the film. Their new home, instead of providing solace from their past, gradually reveals itself to be shrouded in dark secrets and plagued by a malevolent supernatural entity that haunts the townsfolk.

The Parish is not just a mere horror movie, but a psychological thriller that skilfully blends its terrifying elements with character-driven storytelling. It invokes the characters' profound emotions, relationships, and past experiences, all while maintaining an intense, ominous undertone. The narrative is punctuated by moments of chilling horror, unexpected twists, and turns, keeping you glued to the edge of your seat.

The film effectively capitalizes on the offbeat subject to create a well-rounded movie experience. It doesn't fall into the familiar trap of over-reliance on jump scares; instead, it veers into a more psychological and atmospheric brand of horror, crafting an immersive and spine-chilling narrative that lingers long after the final scene.

The scenic locales serve as compelling backdrops that heighten the film's eerie quality. The movie effortlessly combines the unsettling aura of its settings with phenomenal cinematography. The masterful use of lighting and shadows contrasts perfectly with the gloom of the subject matter, contributing to the palpable tension in every scene.

Ultimately, The Parish is a riveting paranormal thriller, replete with psychological angst, a chilling atmosphere, and convincingly tormented characters. It explores themes ranging from grief, mother-daughter relationships, and the struggle of letting go of a painful past, all against a backdrop of an impending supernatural threat.

With this film, David Hogan effectively carves a place for himself in the genre of horror. His vision and execution combined with the remarkable performances of Angela DiMarco, Sanae Loutsis, and Bill Oberst Jr., make for a hauntingly fascinating cinematic experience that is both heart-pounding and thought-provoking.

For horror enthusiasts and movie-goers who appreciate intense, atmospheric storytelling, The Parish is a must-watch. It is a haunting exploration of grief, fear, and survival. Its chilling narrative, compelling performances, and expertly crafted atmosphere ensure that viewers will be left with an impression that lingers long after the end credits roll.