Starring Omari Hardwick, Loretta Devine, John Beasley

Directed by Mark Tonderai

Paramount Home Entertainment, out October 30 to download & keep

 

While flying to his father’s funeral in rural Appalachia, an intense storm causes Marquis Woods to lose control of the plane carrying him and his family. He awakens wounded, alone and trapped in an attic.

Available just in time for Halloween, director Mark Tonderai’s (Locke & Key, Castle Rock, House at the End of the Street) movie is a tense little horror thriller with some masterful tension and eye-wincing shocks.

Marquis (Omari Hardwick – Sorry to Bother You) has it all, including a private plane which he takes to his father’s funeral. He has a certain hubris, and he has a mocking tone towards the back woods locals he meets en route. But after blacking out during the flight, he wakes up to find himself in excruciating pain in the attic sewing room of Ms. Eloise (a nasty Loretta Devine).

From the outset, we all know the peril he is in. Eloise, her husband, and their burly helper, refuse to answer his questions about where his family is. He’s been hobbled – so far, so Misery – but Eloise is nobody’s biggest fan, and reveals that her patient/prisoner is under the influence of the Boogity, a Hoodoo figure she has made from his blood and skin. He tries to escape, but his pain is excruciating – and then we find out why.

Verdict: A interesting slant on the ‘city folk vs the red necks’ trope, the plot might not be the most original, but it’s very well played and you’ll be squirming before the 90 minutes are over. 8/10