Pyewacket

This movie, as it has been accurately described, is a slow burn. It is no question that this low budget indie horror title is driven by solid performances, specifically by Nicole Munoz and Laurie Holden. The dynamic between these characters is believable and could pass as a standalone drama if the horror elements weren't included. The most impressive aspect of this film is how Adam MacDonald used his low budget to create a piece of film that uses effective storytelling and edge-of-your-seat suspense. If you're an individual who prefers the louder, high budget horror shows, I'm sad to say you will be slightly disappointed with this film. But if you enjoyed films like The Witch or It Follows, I can definitely recommend this movie, as I believe it is truly something special.

Pyewacket is a hidden gem for the lovers of the horror genre that might stay with you as "it follows" or "the babadook" did. Sure it does not have the scale or the production values, it does not have a major scope but it tells a slow, personal story with style and credibility. The movie is slow, but not in a pretentious and artsy way. It tells its story without flashy effects or jump scares and relies on character building. You can feel the transition the mother and daughter has been through, and you can see Leah's self esteem wavering when she needs to be sincerely accepted. The lore is simply there to move the story and does it in a subtle but impressing way. Everything from acting to music to visuals completes what comes out as this hidden gem called "Pyewacket". Watch it and see for yourself but know what you are getting into and do not judge the movie for what it's not.

The last twenty minutes felt a bit rushed and disorganized, compared to the languid, but tightly thought-out, slow-burn pace of the first 3/4 of the movie. But this meditation on impulsivity in the context of peer and parental relationships results in a very fine entry nonetheless. Yes, it is a "horror" movie (particularly towards the end). But it is also about human relationships.

That said, this is not a dialogue-intensive feature. Rather, there is heavy reliance on mood, lighting and subtle gestures to move the plot along (if you don't pay attention, it can be easy to miss important clues). As a result, this movie could have been a bomb. But I was VERY impressed with Nicole Muñoz, who manages to carry the weight of a near-100% screen time admirably. She is able to give us a very realistic depiction of a struggling teenager who swings between hope, anger, boredom and curiosity, as she negotiates a move with her mother away from her former home. Recommended for sure.

"The demon is very manipulative. Don't trust in your eyes"

Next scene? She trusts in her eyes.

Forgetting that, it is an enjoyable slow burn that is not *that* terrifying, it is a bit rushed, but it is still able to create a tense and creepy atmosphere.

The story does start out at a slower pace however the dynamics between the mother - daughter, their fight and her reaction reminded me of the tense relationship I had growing up at times with my own mother. Unfortunately she makes a rash decision and the consequences play out in a very creepy and disturbing manor.

I really liked her time in the gift shop, the idea that the evil is within etc. Well done. Will look for more from this writer.