Dead Whisper

We are currently living in a time where it seems like every movie and tv show that we see is based off of, or is a sequel to, or is even just a remake of something else. It happens so often now that it seems like Hollywood has completely run out of ideas, but every once in a while, we are graced with a film that is not only an original idea but also a true work of art. Last night, I had the pleasure of watching a special premier of the new horror film Dead Whisper now playing in select theaters and streaming on Prime video. The film serves as the directorial debut for Conor Soucy and stars Samuel Dunning as Elliot Campbell, a lawyer living in Cape Cod who experiences strange occurrences when he visits a mysterious island.

The acting in this film was very good, but what really stood out to me was the brilliant way that this film was shot. Cinematographer Ben Grant worked pure magic behind the camera and the result was nothing short of artistic brilliance. Each shot was so captivating that I felt as if I was dragged into the story and was the main character. The angles and use of lighting was so masterfully utilized that it reminded me of a Hitchcock film at times.

A fun fact about this film is that it had a very low budget. It is very impressive that a movie can be this good with such a small number of resources and it is a true testament to the talented individuals who made it. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I strongly recommend checking this one out as soon as you can. I know I will be watching it many times.

I love finding gems like this, like so many great nights renting movies like The Wicker Man, and The Others on VHS. Beautiful visuals with vintage cinematic vibes, an engaging story that pulls you into each scene, and that minimalist kind of creepiness that is more unsettling than horrifying.

If 'North Atlantic' could be a horror / suspense subgenre, I'd place Dead Whisper squarely in that category. There's something about films made in New England, Ireland, and the UK that sew together dreary landscapes, misty maritime themes, and the fear of things we can't control into unique stories that are continually engaging. If that's your jam, this will not disappoint!

The scene is the seashore. Somehow a pay phone -- which we don't have any more anywhere -- is situated about 12 feet from the water and it's ringing. I horrible actress answers it and she knows who's calling.

This very first scene, which lasts maybe 2 minutes gives you an idea how utterly bad this movie is going to be.

The acting across the board is dismal. The exposition is incredibly slow. The jump scares are dumb and embarrassingly insulting.

This movie is perhaps the worst film I have seen in 20 years. The one, and only, good thing I can say about this train wreck of a movie is that the scenery is nice.

That's it.

Found this movie confusing from the beginning and thought the acting was terrible (especially the 'evil' laughing!). Don't waste your time on it, sadly I persevered to the end in the hope it would get better and make sense but was so disappointed and won't get that time back. I'm sure this was meant to be something clever with a deep meaning but honestly didn't get it at all. I read the concept of the movie and the desperation at a time of grief but couldn't connect with the storyline or the characters. This movie had scored high on other review sites...not sure what movie they watched but can't understand their ratings if it was the same one!

"Dead Whisper," co-written by Conor Soucy and Colin Charles Dale, takes audiences on a chilling journey into grief and temptation. Set against the eerie backdrop of a secluded island, the film follows Elliot Campbell (played by Samuel Dunning), a Cape Cod lawyer haunted by the loss of his daughter.

The Good: New England Cinematography and Art House Vibes

Cinematography: Ben Grant's lens captures the haunting beauty of the island. Mist-covered shores and abandoned buildings create an atmosphere of dread, making the setting a character in its own right.

Art House Aesthetics: The film's deliberate pacing and visual choices evoke an art house sensibility. Fans of indie cinema will appreciate its unique style.

The Not-So-Good: Pacing, Story, and Mixed Acting

Pacing: The film's uneven pacing, especially in the first half, detracts from the tension it aims to build. Some scenes feel drawn out, while others rush through crucial moments.

Story: While the premise-a grieving father's desperate wish to reunite with his lost child-is compelling, execution occasionally falters. Predictable plot points and genre tropes hinder the impact.

Acting: Samuel Dunning's portrayal of Elliot Campbell is the emotional core, capturing vulnerability and determination. However, supporting characters like Elise and Jackson lack depth.

In summary, "Dead Whisper" succeeds in creating a haunting and atmospheric experience, but its execution leaves room for improvement. If you appreciate indie horror and can overlook pacing issues, it's worth a watch.