Wraith

Wraith is a supernatural thriller-drama that was released in 2017 directed by Michael O. Sajbel. The chilling movie features a stellar cast including Jackson Hurst, Ali Hillis, and legendary actor Lance Henriksen. Clocking in at a little over an hour and a half, the movie enthralls viewers with a combination of disquieting family secrets, metaphysical interventions, and eerie manifestations tied to a mysterious past.

The story revolves around a family that moves into an old, secluded Wisconsin mansion known as the Carver house. The man of the house, Richard, played by Jackson Hurst, is a reasonably prosperous nuclear engineer who switches to a more relaxed lifestyle to raise his daughter, Gina, portrayed by Ali Hillis. Gina is a bright high school girl with her mind open to possibilities, including those that transcend the physical boundaries of reality. Out of the blue, inexplicable events begin to happen in the house, sparking curiosity and fear in equal measure.

The film gets its name from an apparitional figure that starts making appearances in the Carver's home and around their petite town, baffling the characters and taking the audience on a spine-chilling ride. Richard's rational mind has a hard time processing the supernatural occurrences around him. But with support from his wife and daughter, he starts investigating these abnormal occurrences. The haunting figure, the Wraith, acts as the central theme of the plot, maneuvering the characters down a path of self-discovery and surprising revelations about their past lives.

Lance Henriksen gives a standout performance as a wise old psychic who uses his abilities to try and unravel the mysteries unfolding in the town. His character adds an extra layer of suspense and intrigue to the narrative, which already has an abundance of uncanny activities.

The progression of the narrative in Wraith is subtle and gives a unique twist to the usually explosive and extravagant horror genre. It isn't a typical horror movie; the director has given as much importance to family relationships, moral dilemmas, and questions about faith as to the movie's eerie elements. It creates an emotional connection with the audience, making them a part of the family's journey rather than being mere observers of frightening episodes.

At its core, Wraith explores themes of forgiveness, remorse, and redemption, making it more than just a spook-fest. The film gives viewers a unique portrayal of an entity from the afterlife—seemingly menacing at first, but as it turns out, it has a purpose. This element is what sets Wraith apart from generic films of its genre. The tension is real, the emotional stakes are high, and the climax is as surprising as it gets. The spectral Wraith is a silent participant in these proceedings, guiding the viewers through an eerie maze of past sins and future reckoning.

Director Michael O. Sajbel masterfully exploits the magnificent setting of the old mansion and the lush Wisconsin landscapes. The movie's aesthetic is thoroughly spooky but not stark, adding suspense to the narrative and deepening the emotional connection between the viewers and the characters.

Character development is another strength of Wraith. Jackson Hurst does an admirable job showing the transformation of Richard as he navigates the uncanny events unfolding in his life, from being a pragmatic skeptic to accepting the inexplicable. Ali Hillis' portrayal of Gina is refreshingly quirk-free, thoughtful and emotionally channeled. Her character gracefully oscillates between teenage naivety, curiosity, and maturity, as she starts to understand the secrets of the Wraith.

The well-seasoned acting powerhouse, Lance Henriksen, doesn't fail to deliver. As the psychic guide, he adds the required gravity and subtlety to his role, contributing significantly to the alarmingly tense atmosphere without being overly theatrical.

Wraith asks questions that are as old as human existence and cleverly uses the ghost story as a medium to provide answers to them. It is a unique blend of intense family drama and otherworldly mysteries, a film that will leave you contemplating long after you've watched it, making it as much a psychological journey as a supernatural thriller. It's not merely a ghost saga but a sensitive portrayal of human emotions and relationships. The narration is filled with coincidences and shocks that align it with life's realities, making Wraith an intriguing and enthralling watch.