They Reach

In 2020, GoreTober Productions and Sylphvania Grove produced a charmingly nostalgic horror and adventure film titled, They Reach. Helmed by director Sylas Dall, the movie brings the viewer back to the idealism and innocence of youth while still maintaining a chilling edge that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film stars the budding talents of Mary Madaline Roe, Morgan Chandler, and Eden Campbell known for their convincing portrayals and exceptional performances.

The story revolves around a precocious 13-year-old Jessica Daniels (Mary Madaline Roe), an intelligent, energetic and curious character who becomes the focus of this adventurous scare fest. Jessica finds her life in a peaceful small town is not so tranquil when her innocent curiosity leads to chilling and grim outcomes.

Jessica's fascination with electronics and technological mechanisms takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon an antique tape recorder. This relic isn't a mere audio device. Instead, it serves as a doorway connecting the world of the living and the beyond. Unknowingly, Jessica absorbs into herself an evil force that lurks within the tape recorder. As the narrative unfolds, the lines blur between mythical ghost stories and cold hard reality, instilling a sense of trepidation and dread in viewers.

Adventurous Jessica is not alone in her perilous journey. Her dauntless friends, Sam (Morgan Chandler) and Cheddar (Eden Campbell), are by her side, ready to tackle the unknown. Each character has their distinctive charms: Sam is the strategist, tactical and logical, while Cheddar provides the relatable, humorous relief amid nerve-racking sequences. Together, they prove that the power of friendship is capable of combating dark forces from the abyss.

They Reach allows these young actors to showcase their impeccable acting prowess as they navigate through a hair-raising plot in a town steeped in supernatural occurrences. Amazingly, the young actors manage to keep up with the incredible magnitude of supernatural events unfolding around them. Their performances reveal a maturity in their craft beyond their years, promising a bright future in the film industry. The enigma surrounding their guitar teacher (played by Ash Calder) and the town's strange history furthers the suspenseful atmosphere, making the mystery more ominous and gripping.

Set in the year 1979, 'They Reach' not only captures the essence of quintessential childhood adventures seen in popular films from the 80s but also does justice to the fashion, music, and tech of that decade. This charm of the bygone era adds another layer of nostalgia and authenticity to the narrative. 'They Reach' creates a sense of familiarity with its homage to classic horror movies and maintains its unique character with a coming-of-age twist.

Blending children's adventure with horror isn't a new genre; however, 'They Reach' manages to add a unique charm to it. Released with the tagline, "Evil is in Hand," it does a splendid job balancing its horror elements with a story line centered around friendship, courage, and the coming-of-age narrative.

Without a doubt, the movie's main strength is its young and vibrant cast, who brings viewers along on a terrifying yet invigorating adventure, fraught with evil entities and a tingling sense of nostalgia. Screenwriter and director Sylas Dall's narrative brims with chilling moments and surprising twists that draw viewers deeper into the story, resulting in a spine-chilling cinematic fear fest replete with 70's nostalgia.

In the world of horror films, 'They Reach' stands out with its likable characters, intense scenes, and an exceptional narrative. This movie is a must-watch for horror movie geeks and those who appreciate nostalgic classics in the making. It's a journey through friendship, fear, and everything in between, capturing the essence of a time past and the boldness of a horror film, all while delivering an unexpected venture into the unknown. As you plunge into 'They Reach,' you reach for courage, camaraderie, and an entertaining journey through fear and suspense.