The Muse

This movie had me on the edge of my seat! I even admit to feeling physically jolted a couple times, which I can't say about too many films. It constantly threw me off balance with plenty of twists, turns, and unexpected moments. I'd categorize it as a dark, haunting, intellectual thriller. It was much like a cross between an old episode of the Twilight Zone and the movie, Misery. If you're a fan of the Twilight Zone, you'll know that means there's a fantastically cool psychological aspect to this film. Great story and powerful acting. It had me engaged from beginning to end. All the way around, I'm a huge fan of The Muse!

You won't expect it going in, so let me warn you: this movie will scare you into a tiny, self-protective little ball in your seat.

Far from a gratuitously violent horror fest, The Muse is in fact a well-thought-out morality play. But within that context -- the good and just conquering evil -- this is one terrifying flick. Somehow this filmmaker manages to make everything in his sparsely populated film scary -- a doll that neither moves nor ever makes a sound; a water faucet; a typewriter. He even makes watching an author writing at his desk terrifying.

You'll probably want to watch The Muse a few times. First time just to hear the film, because you'll be covering your eyes for much of it. Then you'll want to watch it again all the way through, to see the bits you were frightened to watch on the first go-around. Then once more, to catch all the brilliant little symbols the filmmaker sprinkles in; those clever symbols are worth a viewing all by themselves.

Totally unexpected. Totally scary. Totally worth watching -- with the lights on.

I saw this at an LA screening and was blown away by the genuine scares and the sense of dread that hangs in the air from the first frame. Involving script, atmospheric direction, and spine-tingling music add up to one of the most effective horror films I've seen in a while.

Its scares are earned, a rarity in what passes for horror movies these days.

The audience is drawn into the story of a suspense novelist and the psychological toll he must pay for a fatal transgression. Vague enough for you? I don't want to go into spoiler territory, but rest assured this is a riveting story that will hold you from beginning to end.

I'll start by saying that I REALLY enjoy a good horror movie in all its forms. But most people with whom I discuss this topic agree that it's just so difficult to find one that does its job (scare the pants off you) while still being well conceived and well made as a film. So many times it's all about the effects or the star or the gore, usually with an anemic and ridiculous script to complete the ensemble.

That said, I can honestly say that I was thoroughly impressed with "The Muse" on all of these points and more. Even though the running time is less than an hour Taylor Grant takes us through an arc of emotion so complete and compelling it is virtually impossible to come away unaffected by this picture. He creates fully dimensional characters with whom the audience easily identifies. Then as all good writers do, once the investment is made, off come the brakes and what we think is reality begins to disintegrate around us with a disturbing similarity to every nightmare and ghost story we've ever experienced.

Grant understands that the best horror films are only really "half written" by the author and completed by his audience in their own minds. Once committed we quickly fill any negative space with our own worst fears and psychoses and then commence to squirm and secretly beg for mercy that never comes. Sort of like being strapped to your own corpse while riding a roller coaster. You are almost certain these moments will be your (sanity's) last, but you just...can't...look away.

I gave the film an 8 out of 10 only because I wanted it to last longer so I could've completely emptied my bladder and I also want to give Grant something to shoot for on his next endeavor. The production value is fantastic considering that this was not a film with a large budget. The exposition is clear and all the necessary elements in place, including an ending that will have you dialing Mommy's phone number before the credits are over. All things considered "The Muse" is a well crafted mental and sensory meal of emotion and terror that is sure to be one you'll want to experience again...if of course...you can handle it.

While watching The Muse I had that unsettled, nervous, squirmy feeling that I don't get from many horror films these days. The story sucked me in from the very beginning and really kept me engaged and guessing until the very end. Like a classic horror story, it has that overall creepy vibe that really sets the mood as the story unfolds. I was definitely caught off guard more than once. I have to admit I jumped a few times, even the second time I watched it. The main character did a great job bringing the viewer into his twisted world. Great acting, great story and very entertaining all around. I would definitely recommend it.