A film with a compelling story, Hollows Grove contains cameo appearances from Hollywood heavyweights such as Lance Henriksen (Alien Series, Pumpkinhead 1988), and Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump 1994, Con Air 1997). Written and directed by Craig Efro, as his full-length debut, filming took place in Los Angeles, California. Drawing attention after its initial released back in October 2014, in May of 2015, Vision Films released the film through VOD and Amazon MOD. Continuing to garnish positive feedback, recently, Hollows Grove was released on DVD as of December 15th in select retail stores, thus raising the question, what is all the buzz about?
- Still from Hollows Grove
The events take place in modern times told via found footage, beginning with a disclaimer from the FBI, followed up by FBI agent Jones (Williamson) advising viewers the film contains found footage. Even the FBI cannot explain the contents therein, and should be watched with caution. This of course adds realism and extra creepiness to the story. Julia (Bresha Webb: At the Devil’s Door 2014, Ride Along 2 2016), Tim (Matt Doherty: Home Alone 1990, Ghost World 2001), Roger (Sunkrish Bala: Notes from the Underbelly 2007, StarStruck 2010), Chad (Val Morrison: Days of Our Lives series, To Catch a Train 2012), and George (Tanc Sade: Stolen 2012, Matador series), are part of a successful paranormal television series, S.P.I.T. (Spirit Paranormal Investigation Team), which focuses on the investigation of haunted places. Like many others, nothing supernatural has actually ever happened, and is in fact added by the crew and special effects man Bill (Henriksen).
They receive a tip about a possible haunted mental asylum, and, after some discussion, jump at the chance to film an episode there. Simultaneously, Harold Maxwell (Matthew Carey: The Banger Sisters 2002, Old School 2003) films the crew filming their episode for what he hopes is a career changing documentary, thereby recording everything that happens without edit. As soon as they arrive at the abandoned facility they are warned off by the caretaker, Hector (Eddie Perez: Star Trek 2009, Shameless series), who advises Tim he recently refused entry to another crew member, Bill the special effects guy. Tim falsely advises Hector they have the owners permission to investigate. Tim then dismisses warnings, and the crew enter the building. Initially nothing happens to concern the group, but as time goes on, the unusual events increase to the point the group realizes the building truly is haunted. At first, the ghosts’ attacks are mildly physically harmful, but it is not long before it takes it to the next level. The group are trapped in a building with malevolent entities, with no way of fighting against them. As time ticks by, the group’s numbers dwindle, until all that remains is a video tape and a possible trapped entity.
- Still from Hollows Grove
Hollows Grove stands out among the sea of Lost Footage Horror films with its well-written and directed fast-paced plot. While it does not add anything new to the genre, the acting, dialogue, and reactions are realistic. The camaraderie between the crew offers some quirky fun moments, which helps the viewer be drawn into the story, and get to know the characters. While the action takes place, it keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats, desperate to know the outcome. The film would be equally sound without the beginning and end sequences including the FBI Agent, yet on the same token, it adds another texture to the story. The cinematography by Sidney Sidell (Empire series, Kingdom series) keeps pace with each change in tone, and scene. The special effects are quick, impactful, and effective. It is not difficult at all for the viewer to feel true shock and horror, while they cannot peel their eyes away from the screen.
- Still from Hollows Grove
Furthermore, the musical score arranged by Robin Urdang (1408 2007, The Mist 2008) emphases the scary atmosphere and builds tension while quietly blends in the background without overtaking a scene. Each actor stays true to their character throughout the course of the movie, without deviation or giving the viewer pause to question. A well-developed Horror film, Hollows Grove makes for great evening viewing. CrypticRock.com gives this movie 4 out of 5 stars.
- Vision Films
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