The Seeding

For those who are big fans of unusual or artsy horror/thrillers, I found that I had predicted the outcome after around 15 minutes- which was overall a shame. Whilst well created, with some beautiful scenes and building tension- it all just seemed pointless considering the plot "twist" was poorly hidden.

If you like stories that are a little bit "weird" than it might be up your ally as you may be surprised, but for those of you out there who are avid fans, I personally found the film forgettable.

There were also some story line aspects that weren't really followed up on/discussed- this feels like the main attempt to "hide" the outcome but in my opinion, makes the outcome more obvious.

I almost didn't watch this, based on several reviews here. After watching, I could understand how the bleak story could divide viewers. Though depressing, I found myself immersed in the situation.

I love the desert, so the setting immediately sucked me in. Though mostly limited to a house in a hole, it made for a fairly dramatic set piece. I'll need to search out how this was achieved.

I was also drawn to the character of Alina. I was wondering why she was so quiet and calm, while the main guy was freaking out. She seemed both disconnected and alluring.

Technically, it was very competent. Good cinematography, wonderfully eerie music. Overall, the movie did a great job of making me believe that this place could exist.

A man (Scott Haze) ventures into the deep desert in order to view a solar eclipse. When he encounters what appears to be a lost boy, he tries to help him. Soon, the terror begins, changing the man's life forever.

THE SEEDING is an interesting take on the "creepy kid" subgenre. Mr. Haze is believable throughout in his tormented role, as is Kate Lyn Sheil as the mysterious woman at the center of the man's ordeal. The group of kids are frightening in a LORD OF THE FLIES / CHILDREN OF THE CORN sort of way.

This is a slow-building, somewhat disturbing film that saves most of its horror for the final act. You might find yourself muttering "WTF?" a few times as you watch it...

Conceptually I actually found this quite intriguing but unfortunately it didn't go much of anywhere. It almost felt like it was cosplaying as some cerebral art piece, an allegory for something bigger and seemingly profound... yet barely had much substance let alone a real payoff.

I definitely would've loved a bit more background and lore, generally pushing it away from that up in the air, confusing, slow burn vibe. Which it was most certainly slow moving... interestingly atmospheric at times for sure, but generally a tad belabored.

There was something about the lead male's acting that wasn't there for me either. The intention and drive behind it were apparent, but it didn't quite land on the side of convincing for me. I think there was something intriguing at the root of this experience but all in all it felt a bit undercooked. I don't think I would say it was an unentertaining experience by any means, it just didn't end up being super special. Still can't say it was bad so I would aloofly recommend.

I immediately see the influence of the classic Japanese New Wave film "Women In The Dunes" from 1964, by Hiroshi Teshigahara, based on a book by the Existentialist Novelist Kobo Abe. Teshigahara would go on to adapt a number of Abe's books to film. It is available for free viewing at Archive.org. Some of the scenes are a scene for scene copy (or homage).

The cinematography in "The Seeding" is outstanding, with great wide angle shots, and pans of landscapes. The first scene shows the man's car parking on a desert road cul-de-sac. The overhead shot resembles a sperm cell, with the road being the tail. A symbolic reference to the title and things to come. Ken Russell did a similar shot in the 1969 film "Women in Love", in which a (probably drunk) Oliver Reed dies while walking in snow.

With my expectations elevated for a fantastic sublime film, I was disappointed by the unimaginative screenplay and the real let down of a sloppy and apathetic conclusion.

I would recommend the movie for the filmmaking alone, but it is frustrating to think it could have been better with a rewrite.

The acting is well done, though I would have had the women have a stranger demeanor, considering she has not seen the outside world.

The plot leaves too many questions, and many simple questions are not even brought up by the Man. The writer didn't convey a plausible lead character. In the end, the project is essentially scrapped. The difficult issues are not brought into the screenplay which is disappointing.

As a "Horror" film it has some of the gore, but the film doesn't entirely embrace the genre. In the end the film simply misses the target. This due to the fact that the filmmakers were not sure of what they were aiming for in the first place.