Horror Reporter: Reviews - Dark Remains

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Dark Remains

Sub-Genre: Supernatural Suspense, Thriller
U.S. Release Date: 2006 (Straight to DVD)
Running Length: 1 hr. 31 min.
MPAA Classification: R (violent content and some nudity)
Cast: Cheri Christian, Greg Thompson, Scott Hodges, Rachael Rollins, Rachael Jordan
Director: Brian Avenet-Bradley
Screenplay: Brian Avenet-Bradley

Report Card: B-

Dark Remains Written and directed by Brian Avenet-Bradley (Ghost of the Needle), Dark Remains is a ghost story about a young couple who rent a remote cabin in the woods to mourn the death of their recently murdered daughter. Julie (Cheri Christian), a reluctant photographer, starts to see images of their deceased daughter when she develops her pictures. Her husband, Allen (Greg Thompson), sees nothing, but when strange things start occurring he decides to research the dark history of the cabin.

While there is nothing particularly original about the plot of this film, the movie makes up for it with highly effective scary sequences. With the help of wife/cinematographer, Laurence, Director Brian Avenet-Bradley makes great use of shadows and camera angles to maximize the chills and suspense. Great effort and creativity was expended in delivering creepy ghost sequences, with good makeup effects, and the minimal use of routine horror-movie bits and clichés.

That being said, this is a low-budget film, and with low-budget films come low-budget acting. While not terrible, the acting was at times dull and lethargic. The only acting performance that really stood out was the quirky neighbor “Jim”, played by Scott Hodges. The movie dialogue was adequate, but the script could have used some refining in parts.

Also, some of the scary gags felt repetitive toward the end (eg: doors opening by themselves, ghosts passing by in the background). It almost seemed like Avenet-Bradley ran out of ideas for original spooky ghost appearances.

Nonetheless this is a very good movie, particularly for an independent, low-budget film. The plot may not be not strong enough to maintain interest for people who do not normally enjoy supernatural thrillers. However, if you like a good ghost story, Dark Remains is a must-see.


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