Wineville

This is a film that I got the chance to see thanks to Erika from Gold Dust PR. Coming into this one, I did have a press release which I used to confirm that this was a 2024 horror release. It also seemed like this could be a slasher film, which isn't always my favorite subgenre. Other than that, I came into this one blind.

Synopsis: a woman who fled her abusive father's vineyard as a teenager returns after his death. She uncovers her family's dark secrets, which have festered, leading to violence and death, as she settles the estate.

We start this in the car of Missy (Christie Nicole Chaplin). It subtly alerts us that we're in the 1970s with news on the radio. She sees a guy in a truck pulled over so she sees if he needs help. He is Joe (Casey King). She offers him a ride and he accepts. It then shifts over to them making out. She inquires if there is a more private place to go. We then see her wake up, strapped to a harness and someone stabs her in the stomach with shears.

This then shifts us over to our lead, Tess (Brande Roderick), with her son, Walter (Keaton Roderick Cadrez). They're on their way to the vineyard from the synopsis. Tess didn't tell her son about her family. The story she told him growing up was that they were all dead. Walter is annoyed with her and having to come all this way. Tess is unsure of what to do either, so that makes it difficult. There are bad memories here.

I'll then introduce her aunt, Margaret (Carolyn Hennesy). She helped her brother run this farm. Joe is a guy that they helped raise when he showed up one day as a boy. These two plead with Tess, in so many words, about not selling the farm. This is their lively hood. Tess hasn't made up her mind yet and has a few days to do so.

The disappearance of Missy leads the local sheriff to the farm, John Hicks (Texas Battle). He asks if Margaret or Joe saw her, which they claim they haven't. John is shocked to see Tess, until he remembers her father's passing. They were friends in junior high. There does seem to be attraction here as well.

Old memories are drudged up here and we learn more about the dark truth hidden within this farm. Tess has a difficult position, as she doesn't want to reveal things to her son who is enjoying their time here. Joe seems like a nice enough guy, but we see he has a temper. There is a history of missing persons as well, which continues to grow.

That is where I'll leave my recap and introduction to our characters. Where I'll start is that this has a decent enough concept. This is set in the past to not have to deal with cell phones. I'm not sure the flashbacks work well enough for the time that it is set, but it also doesn't do anything that ruins the façade either. This does feel like it is inspired by things like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre or similar films where we have this isolated farm where people are going missing and it is being noticed. It is an easy recipe to follow, just not necessarily original.

Now that I have that set up, let's delve more into our lead. This tries to be a character study of her. Tess is a single mother who has a history of abuse at the hands of her father. We also learn that her mother killed herself because of it and Tess fled. Again, not a new concept, but it works fine for a movie like this. I figured out a reveal well before it was given. It is in line with what I've said here. That was something else that didn't shock me to learn. My only issue there would just be that I wasn't sure of ages. What I'll say here is that Roderick, who also directed this, did well at conveying this story and the pain that her character has. She's fine in the lead role.

I've already said that I like the isolated setting and the time they put this story since that prevents technology. It is also scarier when someone is being attacked since you know no one is coming to help. This does go brutal there and when we get practical effects those are good. I'll even say here that the cinematography and framing help to set this all up. Another thing with the isolated location, it makes sense that the abuse happening would go unchecked. Part of that again is the period. My issue here though is that it feels like the different ones used were just there for shock value. If it is happening to one of the characters, it doesn't shock me to learn that it is a history of abuse as well

That should be enough for the story, let me finish out the filmmaking aspects. How this was shot and the practical effects were good. If I have an issue, it comes with the CGI. It doesn't hold up and that took me out of the believability. I understand that is budgetary so I won't hold it against this too much. Other than that, the soundtrack and design was solid. They used music that felt of the era. I also like that characters hear screaming and voices as well, which builds tension.

All that is left then is acting. I've already said that our lead, Roderick, was fine. Battle works as this sheriff who is doing his job but has limited evidence to go on. I thought that him and Tess with their interactions were cute. Hennesy works as this older woman who must toe a fine line of hating her niece, but also needing her help to keep the farm. King works as this guy who was homeschooled and now is awkward with human interactions. I also like how sexual urges make him uncomfortable. That makes sense as this goes on. Taylor Murphy-Sinclair, Chris Schellenger and Chaplin were fine in their minor roles. Cadrez and the rest of the cast are also fine for what was needed.

In conclusion, I thought that this was a solid modern slasher. It is set in the past, to help alleviate the use of technology, which is fine. It doesn't necessarily look like the past outside of outfit choices and vehicles. What I'll credit there is using this isolated farm since that gives it a timeless feel. The characters are fine and I'd say that their acting performances work. This is made well enough with the cinematography and framing to help hide the seams. My only issue there is the use of CGI doesn't hold up. It also feels like they include taboo concepts for the shock value. Not a great film, but I did enjoy my time here.

My Rating: 6 out of 10.

Let's start by saying , i didn't know what to expect, perhaps just another thriller horror movie but as I am watching it , i am getting deep into the story and starting to understand what's going on in the plot . As I am watching each characters embodied, my expectations took a turn... Let me explain.

WineVille is by far a terrific suspense thriller/horror film . The director Brande Roderick as well as writer Richard schenkman created an horror but not like another that we generally see so much in this era.

This film gives a huge hommage of the psychological 70's era style . Wineville is packed of epic horror moments such as tortures scenes that takes place in a farm which that reminded me old school style such as Texas chainsaw massacre and these iconic slashers movies that became Halloween Cult.

As a lots of dark secrets gets revealed, the tension builds up very quickly throughout the storyline as painful memories comes back to surface which balances well with so much suspense , mystery , violence, and horror .

Roderick's character Tess Lott excels and shines beautifully the way she brings her character to life. She's a single mother who returns with her son Walter Lott ( Keaton Roderick ) to her family farm vineyard after her father passed away and that's where it all begins!

Another character caught my eye which I thought did extremely well was the Sheriff John Hicks played by Texas Battle. He delivers outstanding performances and definitely bring so much importance to the storyline. The chemistry between Texas and Brande is makes it so interesting, mysterious and intriguing. I don't like to spoil it so I'll leave it that. You're just gonna have to watch the movie to find out.

Overall, the ensemble cast to name a few: Carolyn Hennesy ( Aunt Margaret ) Casey King ( Joe Lott) Emily Chapman ( Anne Lott) Will Roberts ( Edmund Lott) Chris Schellenger ( Roger) ,..did a fantastic job!

I'll conclude by saying , Wineville it's captivating, entertaining, suspenseful.

Review of Wineville (2024) by Ted Lazaris - Rating ****

Wineville, directed by Brande Roderick, is a thrilling dive into the psychological horror genre, set against the rich, atmospheric backdrop of a 1970s vineyard. The film follows Tess Lott (Roderick) as she returns to her family's estate, only to uncover long-buried secrets that push the story into a captivating whirlwind of suspense and intrigue.

Roderick's direction and performance shine as she seamlessly brings Tess's journey to life, while the haunting vineyard setting perfectly complements the film's Gothic tone. The ensemble cast, featuring Carolyn Hennesy as Aunt Margaret and Casey King as Joe, delivers compelling performances that enhance the mystery and tension, adding layers of complexity to the family's dynamic.

With its gripping narrative and vivid imagery, Wineville keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film balances suspense and tension masterfully, offering fans of psychological horror a dark, yet engaging experience. For anyone seeking a chilling, thought-provoking tale set in a beautifully eerie location, Wineville delivers in every way.

I generally don't do these types of movies....usually too scary for me. BUT I gave it a chance because of Brande, and we wanted to see how she did in the directors chair. And it did not disappoint!

Wineville is a true crime drama. It combined suspense and emotional depth. No spoiler, but it is set in a small town plagued by fear,. The cinematography was great, and the score is captivatingly haunting.

The lead performance is exceptionally amazing, and the supporting cast added richness to the narrative. There is intense drama mixed with profound themes of morality and redemption. There are twists and turns along the way.

Overall, "Wineville" is a captivating and entertaining film that lingers in the mind. I'd watch it again!

I knew going in that this was one of those films that I couldn't compare to a mainstream film. I read all the critic reviews, saw all the disdain for it. To my surprise, it was watchable, and to be fair I've seen weaker plots come out of big budget Hollywood movies. It reminded me a bit of 1998's U-turn, and I'm sure fans of lurid, under-the-radar cinema will find something to enjoy here at least.

And of course there is Joe, who you know from the beginning is a nutcase but you can't help but find him appealing. The actor is definitely a looker. Honestly I don't know whether or not his gay scene was bait or not, and I don't really care (it was kinda hot - until it wasn't).

All in all a very rough, small budget endeavor that plays it a bit safe for the crowd it was aiming for and it shows its weaknesses throughout, though I can't help but feel that with some proper mentoring, a good writing staff, more risks, tighter pacing and better editing, this might have been a solid cult film. As it is though, it's inevitably going to be lost in the wide sea of better produced genre efforts. I admire the attempt though and hopefully it was a valuable learning experience for ?first time?director ms Roderick. I've seen a lot of first worse first attempts, if indeed it was.