The frigid winds of October whistle an eerie tune and send crispy autumn leaves tumbling about in all directions. Jack-o’-lanterns and assorted animated Halloween décor illuminate porches in a feeble attempt to ward off ghastly beings searching for tasty morsels of human flesh. With these visual pictures in mind, a pitch-black aura of the supernatural surrounds the new film Night of the Harvest like a shroud.
Released through Gravitas Ventures on September 24, 2024, as Night of the Harvest whirrs to life on digital platforms the sensation that is evoked is that of stepping and being slowly sucked into a tar pit of psychological terror. Co-directed by Christopher M. Carter (One Night in October 2017, Dark Chronicles 2019) and Jessica Morgan (Dark Chronicles 2019), it is motivated by a zeal for Halloween stories.
Running just under two hours, the scenes glide along a traditional Slasher trajectory by zooming in on an innocuous scene, a friendly get-together, and tossing in a handful of vivid visuals designed to leave no doubt that the evening will at one point go awry. The flashes of sinister images in muted lighting coupled with haunting melodies create a heightened state of anxiety. Confirmation is in the bag when a masked figure hovers at the window accompanied by a hair-raising melody. All this is achieved without conversation. The tension continues to build while the lighting and music change and the demeanor changes to that of fear. Ultimately the tension bursts like a popped balloon as the horror sets in and the scene fades away. This is merely a temporary respite for the next moment in Night of the Harvest which fast forwards to next year… exactly 365 days later. The state of curiosity sets in from here.
The relationship dynamics of the characters in Night of the Harvest are perhaps the most interesting to watch unfold. Madison (Brittany Isabel: Rouge Tiger 2017, Omega series) is recovering from the year prior’s traumatic event where she survives but is in the grip of undealt with guilt.
Isabel is superb in conveying her character’s angst and desire to move on with her life. There is a glimpse into a disturbing memory that gives you pause and opens the door of curiosity. Jessica Morgan also stars in the film; playing the character of Audrey. Here she manifests as a solicitous older sister determined to help Madison keep her demons at bay. With this, Audrey is a force to be reckoned with who stops at nothing to ensure that the demonic forces that cursed her family are placated. Stakes are high on this night and the sisters team up while others are blindsided and pay the ultimate price. Adding more intrigue, the story of Night of the Harvest has an unexpected twist at the end worth waiting for.
Overall, the cinematography and acting flow well and keep you guessing what the outcome will be at the end of Night of the Harvest. While some details are vague – such as how the family curse came to be and who these demons were – it is still very well done. That is why it is a perfect film for the Halloween Season, with Cryptic Rock giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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