“Grave Encounters,” is perfectly crafted to fit the indie low budget thriller mold. Written and directed by the 25-year-old twins known as the Vicious Brothers, “Grave Encounters” plays with the concept of a group of paranormal investigators visiting haunted sites for their popular television series, “Grave Encounters.” For this episode, they travel to the abandoned Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital, a supposed hot spot of unexplained paranormal phenomena. Naturally, weird occurrences start to escalate as the crew enters to document a Pandora’s box of chills and thrills.
Taking a “found footage,” realistic approach similar to “The Blair Witch Project,” the television series producer sets up the story of the “Grave Encounters” team. Series host, Lance Preston (Sean Rogerson) is the right blend of cocky and charismatic as he leads his crew into the haunted Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital. Lance’s small crew consists of Matt (Juan Riedinger), Sasha (Ashleigh Gryzko) T.C. (Merwin Mondesir) and psychic expert, Houston (Mackenzie Gray).
Similar in vein to actual television shows like “Ghost Hunters,” Lance and his crew set-up the backstory of their location via a "safe" daytime interview with Collingwood caretaker, Kenny (Bob Rathie). Kenny leads them through the hospital and reveals the institution’s complex history. Noteworthy incidents include the doctor who was murdered by patients and a girl who killed herself in a tub.
A nice twist to the proceedings, however, is that when the television cameras stop recording, Lance and his crew completely scoff at any paranormal activities; there’s no expectation that anything is actually haunted. Lance and crew are only serious for the viewers at home. So with Kenny’s help, the "Grave Encounters" group is locked inside Collingwood for a full night. They now can experience and capture on film anything and everything the abandoned psychiatric hospital has to offer.
The frightening vibe of the abandoned hospital, complete with old wheelchairs, gurneys, overturned tubs and other discarded hospital paraphernalia, creates a creepy atmosphere for both the crew and viewing audiences. The lack of building electricity means that the hospital's dim lighting simply comes from a few battery-operated camera lights and night vision cameras. This only increases the viewing terror of nighttime interiors full of darkness and shadows. Next mix in a few great sound effects and Lance’s crew getting lost in the maze of similar-looking hospital corridors, and the audience is treated to a terrifying, edge of your seat viewing experience.
The Vicious Brothers are smart to play off what some might consider weaknesses – a low budget, a small crew, and one location – to terrific strengths. Utilizing the mental hospital angle instantly downloads the right sinister baggage to viewers’ minds. Plus an abandoned location in darkness creates a sense of claustrophobia, not to mention the thrill of what might be lurking around the corner or hiding in the shadows, or on the ceiling for that matter. The directors do a solid job of ratcheting up the tension as characters are separated and disappear or reappear.
“Grave Encounters” is a straight-ahead horror concept that pays off nicely with the Vicious Brothers’ disciplined directorial approach to their spooky story. The acting ensemble delivers solid performances as the caustic TV crew turned paranormal believers. For fans of “Blair Witch” or “Paranormal Activity,” “Grave Encounters” is a worthy addition.
“Grave Encounters” is 92 minutes and Unrated. It opens in Los Angeles on August 19 at Midnight shows at Laemmle’s Sunset 5. The filmmakers are also conducting a “Demand It Screening in your city” campaign online through the “Grave Encounters.”
Comments