Phil Herman's Unearthed

I won't go much into depth with synopses, several other people have already done that.

The wrap-around part was well done as an introduction to each segment, and to start and end the film. The start is the man digging up a coffin and removing a book from a corpse's hands. The end (this isn't a spoiler) is the man returning the book to the grave. I give the wrap around 8.5 stars.

"The Ties That Bind": Nicely put together segment about a missing woman, the search for a killer, and a detective that works the case. The ending is very apropos to the rest of the story. This segment I give 8.5 stars.

"Look Towards The Sky": This one is about a man that is abducted by aliens, and makes a surprising return. This one MAY be my favourite. This segment gets 9 stars.

"Clean House": This is about a woman possessed and the priest that tries to exorcise her demons from her. The first part is done in the style of an old silent movie (which I liked). The rest has sound. It is in Spanish with English subtitles. Very well done. This one gets 8.75.

"Highway Rivalry": This is a very interesting one. It involves a hitchhiker, the man that picks her up, 2 policemen searching for a notorious murderer, and an innocent woman in a public bathroom. The reveal was WELL worth the watch. This one gets 8.75.

Everything throughout the film (acting directing. Editing, music, cinematography, storylines/plots, etc.) was GOOD.

The entire film was a great collaborative effort.

Each segment was well crafted and put together well, and with smooth timing/flow in the watching of it.

I REALLY enjoyed the film in it's entirety. Although I would TECHNICALLY only give the film in it's entirety 8.75 stars, I gave it 9, because it certainly deserves more than just 8, but IMDB doesn't "allow" partial stars.

Phil Herman never disappoints, and this one is well worth the watch.

I just caught the YouTube debut of The Ties That Bind, and I am rating it a 9 for noir. And it was a good one, too. Not because I am a big Heather Jokiel fan. Of course, she had me locked into the movie at first sight. But then, the movie quickly creeps from a simple crime drama into a full-blown mystery shocker deserving of a miniseries treatment. I was hoping it would continue when it ended.

A most impressive work of art by the crew at Cheevies Film Production. This was on par with a classic Twilight Zone episode about the dangers of abuse, psychiatric disorders, and how society has failed and exploits the victims. Bravissimo!

Phil Herman's Unearthed: A Gripping Anthology of Mystery and Horror

Unearthed is an exceptional horror anthology that brings together the creative vision of directors Phil Herman, Marcelo Fabani, Derek Braasch, Will Devokees, and James Panetta. Each of the four stories, tied together by an eerie wraparound segment, takes audiences on a thrilling journey into the depths of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. This anthology is a masterclass in storytelling, showcasing a unique blend of genres and themes that will leave viewers captivated.

The wraparound segment, written by Phil Herman, is an intriguing introduction to the anthology. It begins with a graverobber (Christopher Kahler) unearthing a mysterious tome from a grave. The book serves as the framework for the anthology, as the graverobber reads its sinister contents, unraveling four stories of hidden truths and unsettling discoveries. The simplicity of this wraparound segment keeps the focus on the main tales while adding a touch of gothic mystery to the overall experience.

Why Unearthed Is a Must-Watch

What sets Unearthed apart is its ability to blend diverse storytelling styles while maintaining a cohesive theme. Each segment offers something unique, from the emotional depth of Ties That Bind to the eerie suspense of Look Towards the Sky, the classic horror elements of Clean House, and the adrenaline-fueled action of Highway Rivalry. The anthology doesn't just tell stories-it creates experiences that linger long after the credits roll.

The directors and writers bring their unique expertise to the table, and the cast delivers outstanding performances across the board. Tina Krause, Samantha Hupp, Joe DeBartolo, Debbie D, and others bring these characters to life, ensuring that each story is memorable and impactful. The anthology also excels in its production values, with effective special effects, atmospheric cinematography, and a haunting score that ties everything together.

Conclusion

Unearthed is a triumph in horror filmmaking, offering an anthology that is as diverse as it is cohesive. The stories are engaging, the twists are unpredictable, and the overall experience is both chilling and thrilling. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers, sci-fi mysteries, or supernatural horror, there's something in this anthology for everyone. Its release on DVD, Blu-ray, VHS, and upcoming streaming platforms ensures that audiences everywhere can enjoy this exceptional collection.

With Unearthed, Phil Herman and his team have crafted a must-watch anthology that will undoubtedly leave a mark on the horror genre. Don't miss out on this gripping cinematic experience-it's a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Phil Herman has built a reputation for delivering quirky, often inventive indie horror films, but Unearthed stands out as one of his best works to date. This anthology showcases his growth as a filmmaker, offering a unique blend of spine-chilling moments, strong performances, and impressive visuals-all while keeping things grounded in a style that horror fans can easily latch onto. With its diverse segments, Unearthed manages to maintain a high level of consistency, proving Herman's ability to weave a cohesive experience across multiple storylines.

The standout feature of Unearthed is undoubtedly the wraparound segment, which introduces viewers to Christopher Kahler's character, "Doom." Kahler delivers a mesmerizing performance that immediately draws you in, and honestly, after watching him in action, it's easy to imagine an entire movie centred around Doom. This wraparound acts as both an anchor and a clever thread that ties the entire anthology together. The character is mysterious, compelling, and is truly a highlight of the film.

Each of the film's segments offers something fresh and intriguing. The first segment is particularly strong, benefiting from Heather Harlow's performance. She truly shines in this role, one that seems tailor-made for her talents. Her portrayal is dynamic, and she really brings depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional in a lesser script. The second segment is also a notable achievement-thanks to surprisingly great VFX for a low-budget indie film. It's rare to see special effects in this genre that don't feel like an afterthought, but here they're used effectively to enhance the atmosphere and terror.

The third segment deserves a mention for its bold approach. While some viewers may be put off by the subtitles, it's worth persevering. Without diving into spoilers, the story in this section is well-crafted and keeps the viewer engaged from start to finish, proving that there's still room for creativity in a genre that sometimes feels oversaturated. It's a fresh take and a great addition to the anthology.

The fourth segment is a gem, partly due to the involvement of Rudy Ledbetter, who is reading the news in the film. This little touch is pure gold-if Rudy or Clint Beaver aren't reading the news in your indie horror movie, then you're doing something wrong. Ledbetter's delivery is perfect, adding a layer of authenticity and atmosphere. And let's not forget that Phil Herman himself makes a notable appearance in this segment. As usual, he's terrific, and his commitment to his craft is evident.

A special shout-out goes to Debbie D, who makes yet another memorable appearance in a Phil Herman film. At this point, her presence in Herman's movies has become a signature, and honestly, it wouldn't feel like a true Phil Herman production without her. She's a talent that deserves more recognition, and it's always a pleasure to see her in action.

What truly sets Unearthed apart from other anthologies is its consistency. Many anthologies can have extreme highs and lows, but here, every segment is strong, with no real weak link to speak of. The acting is solid across the board, the special effects (both practical and virtual) are impressive, and the sound design is worth mentioning as well-levels are consistent throughout, which may seem like a small detail but makes a big difference in the viewing experience. I didn't find myself constantly adjusting the volume, a common annoyance in indie films.

Perhaps most impressive is the way every segment ends on a high note. In horror anthologies, it's easy for one segment to fizzle out or fail to deliver a satisfying conclusion, but Herman manages to close each story with a punch. It's a small but crucial element that elevates the entire experience and ensures that no moment is wasted.

Phil Herman's Unearthed is a must-watch for fans of the indie horror genre. It's a perfect blend of great performances, sharp direction, and compelling stories, all wrapped up in a tight, cohesive package. Whether you're a longtime fan of Herman's work or a newcomer to his style, you'll find plenty to enjoy here. If you appreciate indie horror with heart and imagination, then give Unearthed a chance-you won't regret it.

Loved all 4 stories, but I'm not a fan of subtitles so the third story was my least favorite.

Ties That Bind was my favorite with a great twist ending. Figuring out who the killer was a bit pat, but the twist ending made up for it. A woman goes camping and is suddenly attacked by someone or something off camera. The police find blood and a jump rope, that leads back to a similar murder 6 years earlier. The cop investigating is all too familiar with the previous case. His father-in-law was convicted of the murder. Ties is the longest segment on the video and could easily make an hour show on TV.

Look Towards the Sky is shot in a very moody style. A man claims to have been kidnapped by aliens. Is it true? The ending will tell you.

Clean House was interesting but contained subtitles and I'm not a fan. But the mood and setting were done well.

Highway Rivalry was well done and had an interesting twist at the end. Debbie D stars as a wife whose husband she's discovered has died. She runs from the scene and is picked up hitchhiking by a friendly guy. The story takes some really bizarre twists and has a great ending. Tina Krause has a small part as a victim of the killer. I would have liked to have seen how her part started rather than coming into it in the middle of her death scene. That's a small thing.

Overall, Unearthed was a great anthology with a lot of great twists. I highly recommend it.