Phil Herman's Unearthed

Unearthed is a masterfully crafted anthology of terror, weaving four distinct, spine-chilling tales into a cohesive narrative tied to the haunting framework of Doomsday Stories. Each story stands out: Derek Braasch's The Ties That Bind offers a taut thriller with shocking twists; Will Devokees' Look Towards the Sky delivers a chilling alien abduction tale with stunning effects; Marcelo Fabani's Clean House explores supernatural horror with atmospheric depth; and Highway Rivalry by James Panetta and Phil Herman provides a relentless, twist-filled ride. With top-notch production and a blend of suspense, psychological depth, and unexpected turns, Unearthed is a must-watch for horror fans.

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!

This is an anthology that involves various genres Horror Drama Sci Fi. We are greeted with a story teller introduction.

The first segment involves a murder/missing persons case. This segment has the longest time length compared to other segments, it seemed it was a movie short on its own and some scenes just dragged out with a twist ending that just didn't land considering it already had its conclusion.

The second segment is an alien based segment involving a man who was missing for 3 days, he has no recollection how he cane back but has memory what was done to him. This segment has a better look with its lighting that matches the mood of the scenes in a Creepshow similar fashion. The main character gives a dark calculating presence. The effects were better presented giving you the full effect of its genre and has better detail.

The third segment involves a woman who is possessed by a demon, a priest comes by to rid the evil spirit. This segment is very generic and adds very little difference than most possession films. It does involve a past spirit in a scene or two that we presume is the woman or a different one but it quickly fades out and we are basically watching a conversation with a demon that doesn't do anything but talk and give a sinister look. This is just another possession film so don't expect anything crawling on a ceiling or devilish pranks.

The fourth segment involves a woman greeting her husband coming home that wants intimate attention but he's too tired. She goes and takes a shower and afterwards she discovers her husband is dead, she panics and hits the road only to discover a man who has something else planned than a road trip together.

This segment is another generic serial killer type, however the African American police office and the serial killer have something different which is the only super natural aspect of the story, unfortunately this made it to the show late and the only interest that could of made this segment. The effects are simple and seemed a quicky. There is a twist in this segment but it doesn't sell it well.

In the overall general of this anthology it's generic, it isn't an A lister, it doesn't have any dark folk lore or super natural Horror that would require for an anthology. It's worth a look at this film but don't expect anything new.

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.