A novel by Jay Anson originally published in 1977, The Amityville Horror soon became a terrifying motion picture in 1979. From here there were countless sequels and even a remake in 2005 under the same title. Looking at the original story, it is something that immediately conjures an image of a malevolent house infused with massive diabolical energy ready to be unleashed on unsuspecting house guests. This premise ignited the imaginative spark for the latest entry into this film franchise called Amityville: Where The Echo Lives.
If you are keeping count, this series has spawned more than forty related titles, with Amityville: Where The Echo Lives set to fall unfettered like an autumnal leaf into the digital pumpkin patch as a VOD Digital release on October 29, 2024 through Lionsgate. Together with his co-directors, the versatile Carlos Alaya (Carlo Serran) unshackles a cinematic vision of a Horror story that is both realistic and haunting.
As the initial scenes pass as swiftly as flashcards, the mind snags on the ragged images contained within. Amazement and horror escalate until the screenshot remains focused on one person. Curiosity muscles its way in, and the viewer is privy to her thoughts as they are displayed on the screen like cue cards. Here, Sarah McDonald embodies the character, Heather West; a paranormal investigator who undergoes a massive inner transformative shift throughout the movie.
As McDonald navigates the role well, the character of Heather West comes to terms with her grief and sense of being overwhelmed by an entity she encounters. Outwardly, she comes off as a confident and compassionate personality but is also tormented by inner demons. With that stated, this time she is now being challenged by a demonic force the likes of which she has never encountered. Heather’s psyche is peeled away like the multilayers of an onion, and one cannot be unmoved by her plight. An indelible emotional bond with her character is forged as she faces the ultimate challenge of her life.
Altogether, the cast does an amazing job of creating realistic relationships that support Heather as she navigates the supernatural realm to discover the truth. In the quest for truth, one may not realize that it may come at a substantial cost. Beyond this, the cinematography, also at the hands of Alaya, is done quite well. The interplay of images, zoom-ins that move along at a frenetic pace, and dialogue brings the story eerily to life. Adding more, the music enhances the state of jangled nerves as the images unfolded in dim lighting.
As Horror enthusiasts, we instinctively know that getting an entity out of a house surely is not as simple as spraying a can of Raid on an insect infestation. It is an intricate dance that is choreographed… and sometimes the ending can hold a surprise. Again, one of many Amtyville-themed films, what is enchanting about Amityville: Where The Echo Lives is that does not rely on special effects to entertain the viewer. an enjoyable movie that depicts a vulnerability that is forged into a strength, Cryptic Rock gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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