He Never Left

This is a film I brought based on the description at the same time as heart eyes and hoped in a similer vein it would be just as good. Unfortunatly though I was very wrong. This woman called carley goes to a motel, but smuggles her boyfriend in the trunk because his on the run from the cops because of murder. The guy running the place seems a little creepy but not a whole lot really happens here in terms of horror. This becomes more of a thriller and any attmept at horror is null void. The mask however was creepy enough. Acting not the worst ive seen in these typs of films either. I was just overall let down by this one.

Witching Season Films has knocked it out of the park with their second feature film He Never Left. I was a fan of the series The Witching Season and their first feature They Live Inside Us. When I saw the Indiegogo campaign I knew I had to back it! That was a couple of years ago and let me tell you it was worth the wait!

The premise deals with Gabe on the run from the law and hides out in a motel in a town where a serial killer known has Pale Face disappeared decades ago. Only, Gabe is not alone in the hotel and Pale Face is making a long awaited return. I'm not giving more than that because you need to watch this!

This movie had everything you could want in a slasher film and while it has a different approach the film never loses its goal which is to give you an emotional and visceral experience.

Everything works on all levels. The filmmakers went to great lengths to give you a movie that feels right at home in your annual Halloween viewing. The cinematography is top notch and the colors just ooze October.

The music is first rate and has that 80's vibe which is always a plus. And it compliments a lot of scenes as well while adding depth of emotion in certain parts.

I could not have been more happier to have watched this!

This was a blind purchase primarily based on the artwork, granted I did read the synopsis and thought to myself this seemed promising.

Sadly it was not the case, it took a lifetime to get going, I will tip the hat to Colin Cunngham who plays Gabriel, he certainly brought his A game to the proceedings, but I found myself thinking, did his performance belong in another movie.

Strangely the artwork at first glance reminded me of The Town That Dreaded Sundown but as far as thrills and chills go, it was quite a numbing experience and storyline wise it was all over the place.

Proceed with caution.

He Never Left is a welcome addition to the Witching Season Films cinematic universe. The character design for Pale Face is exceptional, hitting all the right notes for a slasher. Colin Cunningham is masterful in his role, striking a delicate balance between pity and disdain for a character you'd want to avoid at all costs in real life. Jessica Staples delivers a standout performance, bringing raw emotion to her role and leaving you genuinely heartbroken for her character.

James Morris and Sean D. Hunter provide much-needed levity without making their characters seem incompetent-no easy feat, but one they execute flawlessly.

As a long-time fan of the work James Morris and Michael Ballif produce, He Never Left is another shining example of what makes Witching Season Films so significant-not just within the horror genre, but also for the Halloween season. Everything they create feels like a love letter to the genre and to the season that inspired it.

I'm eager to see what Witching Season Films releases next. I hope they never stop creating. No other filmmaker has managed to transport me into the heart of Fall and Halloween like Witching Season Films does with their short and feature-length films.

In a town that's plagued by the memories of a killer in a mysterious pale mask, the setting takes place primarily in a small motel, where a wanted criminal has decided to post up from the police. Quickly you find out that not all is right in this motel as things begin to reveal themselves.

Actors give a solid performance that helps sell the uncomfortable uncertainty of this modern slasher.

The color grading, as well as the Halloween aesthetic, make for the perfect setting during the spooky season but doesn't limit this to a seasonal watch.

Simply, this was a beautifully shot, well acted, thrill ride.