Wretch

Wretch from 2018 is an incredibly well-crafted independent micro-budget horror film directed by Brian Cunningham. It stars talented actors like Megan Massie, Spencer Korcz, and Riker Hill. The movie unfolds largely through found footage style, blending the lines between reality and supernatural, immersing its audience into a whirlwind of suspense, fear, and existential dread.

Wretch follows the lives of three friends who set off into the woods for a trip under the pretext of a camping expedition. Megan Massie as Abby, Spencer Korcz as Caleb, and Riker Hill as Cam are the primary characters, each showcasing terrific performances that truly elevate the movie to a realm of believable horror. Filmed in real-life scenarios, probably in the outskirts of Kentucky, where Cunningham is based, Wretch seamlessly juxtaposes the serenity of nature with the darkness that lurks within its depths, beautifully captured through its found-footage style cinematography.

The plot kicks off with three friends sharing a seemingly casual time, filled with laughter, bonding, and laidback camaraderie. However, soon their lives take a dip into an abyss of unsettling mysteries and terrifying unknowns lurking in the woods. As the movie progresses, their friendship is tested through spiraling mistrust, fear, paranoia, and the unsettling feeling of being observed.

Director Brian Cunningham successfully encapsulates fear, paranoia, and puts an interesting spin to the traditional forest-camping-gone-wrong narrative. The movie does not use CGI or big-budget sets. Instead, it takes the chilling route of subtle horror, where the dread lies in what might be there rather watching bone-chilling creatures pop out of nowhere. Building on suspense rather than shock value, Wretch is a movie that disconcerts viewers, leaving them on the edge of their seats.

In terms of character development, each character has a story arc that convincingly unfolds throughout the movie. Megan Massie plays the role of the tormented Abby brilliantly, showcasing a wide range of emotions from caring friend to someone beleaguered with fear. Spencer Korcz as Caleb delivers an engaging performance as the alpha friend who initiates the camping trip, his character slowly transitioning from a confident lead to a despairing victim of uncontrollable circumstances. Riker Hill, playing Cam, shines in his portrayal of the typical carefree friend whose life takes an unexpected dark turn.

One aspect that stands out in the movie is the cinematography. The filmmakers extensively employ the techniques of found-footage style, intertwining it creatively with the narrative's structure. The camera work effectively creates the necessary tension and claustrophobia required for a horror film, convincingly instilling the feeling of isolation, and emphasizing the theme of being 'lost' - both physically in the woods and figuratively in their lives.

'Beneath the surface', Wretch also explores themes of guilt, fear of the unknown, friendship, betrayal, and the fragility of human minds when faced with supernatural forces. Moreover, it explores the psychological effects of fear, leading its characters into a state of existential crisis, making them question their sanity and reality.

The film is colloquially rich, with its dialogues representing the veritable and relatable communication style of today's youth. The frightful experiences, shared camaraderie, and petty squabbles among the trio adds a layer of realistic touch to the film, making the characters more relatable to the audience. It's interesting to note how the film reflects everyday scenarios, dialogues, and friendships, displaying a distorted mirror to normal life when juxtaposed with an unnerving horror-scape.

The soundtrack of Wretch is beautifully done and increases the suspense significantly. The use of silence during tense moments also works wonders in amplifying fear instead of distracting from it. The sound design, therefore, plays a key role in setting the chilling atmosphere of the movie.

To summarize, Wretch is a unique fusion of horror and psychological thriller genres, with a fresh perspective on found-footage style films. Its strength lies in the intelligent execution of narrative structure along with smart cinematography, impactful dialogues, relatable characters, and skillful use of sound. Wretch successfully showcases that sense of dread comes less from a seen monster and more from an unseen, unknown terror that deftly controls the puppet strings of human psychology. For those seeking a refreshing new take on the horror genre - you won't be disappointed with Wretch.