They Live Inside Us is a Nostalgic Little Thriller

Back in 2016, I reviewed a little anthology here by Witching Season FIlms. Michael Ballif and the team give a nostalgic nod to the halloween season by creating shorts of different genres and delighting fans with top-notch stories and editing. At the time of writing, there are five episodes available to peruse and enjoy, with rumors of a second season to come.

Ballif introduced his first feature, They Live Inside Us, this year - a full version of a previous award-winning short of the same name. The story follows a writer, Jake (James Morris), and his daughter Dani (Emily Broschinsky), who spend the night in a rumored-to-be haunted house to inspire lost creativity. The two are recovering from tragedy, and what better way to heal wounds than by opening dark, new, terrifying ones?

The film contains its own anthology of sorts while Jake spends his time trying to perfect his own story. He turns to a list of horror movie monsters and employs them in various stylized, vintage-esque vignettes throughout the film. Here we see the unnamed woman (Hailey Nebeker) running from the masked killer, haunted by the scarecrow, or followed by an unsettlingly effective evil clown. Morris really shines here as Choppy the Clown; not only does he play Jake, but each of the monsters, in turn. Wherever he might stumble in dialogue, he more than makes up for with facial expression. Also of note is the introduction of Broschinsky, who somehow steals each scene she’s in.

While definitely a slow burn, the film’s pacing never seems to suffer due to satisfying scares and atmosphere. Ballif’s greatest strength is his eye for detail and set design. Despite its more predictable turns, there is a kind of polish to the design one doesn’t expect from first time feature filmmakers. Another great feature is the sound and music, which adds greatly to the ongoing sense of dread and confusion the film employs.

Between Jake’s story, the real-life horror for him and Dani only grows. What is behind the locked door in the kitchen? What about the gurgling sounds coming from the bathroom? What really happened in this house, and what memories are still haunting it? As the night goes on, more questions than answers reveal themselves until the climactic conclusion.

Much like the original anthology, They Live Inside Us is full of nods to horror classics and familiar, comforting (for the freak in all of us) tropes. It’s easy to tell that everyone involved really loves horror, and loves working together to make something tangible out of that love and admiration for the genre. With an earnest effort given, They Live Inside Us is a promising start for what I hope is a long, burgeoning career for those involved.

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They Live Inside Us is available to watch on iTunes/Apple TV, Amazon, VUDU, Google Play, Microsoft (XBox), Redbox on Demand, Vimeo, and Youtube Premium.

Witching Season Films - Horror Anthology

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Thanks to the success of such anthologies as Trick ‘r Treat, Tales of Halloween, and Southbound, horror anthologies don’t seem to be going anywhere. I’m pumped about that! Like hors d’oeuvres, they allow us to get a sample serving of delicious horror from all sub-genres; there’s always something for everyone. They also inspire wonderful conversations as the anthologies themselves are as unique as those who watch them. One that I want to talk about it in particular is available on YouTube called: The Witching Season.

The Witching Season describes itself as “a Halloween horror anthology series composed of short horror films that are presented on YouTube as a free web series. Inspired by classic anthology shows such as 'Tales From The Crypt', 'The Twilight Zone', and 'Are You Afraid Of The Dark?', The Witching Season delivers originally produced tales of terror, all set during the Halloween season. Fueled by nostalgia, the series pays special attention to the spirit of Halloween and reminds us of the magic that exists during that special time of year.”

The Witching Season brings you delightful self-contained episodes to startle your scary bone (I have a scary bone, don’t laugh) The first thing that stands out is the fantastic original music by Slasher Dave in the opening credits. It’s immediately reminiscent of 80s horror synth which always brings to mind the master of horror himself, John Carpenter. The music adds to the hype of what’s to follow, which is impressive production quality and dedicated actors. As each episode is a stand-alone and less than 20 minutes, it makes for a quick yet rewarding viewing. Childhood fans of Goosebumps and Halloween in general will especially enjoy this. With only 3 episodes so far, you can get caught up right away and get right on the hype train that’s waiting for the next one!

Episode 1: Killer on the Loose
Written, Directed, Shot & Edited by Michael Ballif

Fans of slashers take note - this is your episode. Of the three, I found this episode the weakest. I have a sneaking suspicion it’s only because it’s not my favourite subgenre. As with any other show, the first episode aims to get the show’s feet on the ground, and this one hits it running (quite literally) with an assumed escapee of a mad killer...on the loose.
One moment that stood out in particular is the use of Night of the Living Dead playing on the TV in a house in which the main character takes shelter at one point. The score adds a tension that is palpable in a creative way. It also served as an interesting interjection as the episode is entirely without dialogue. Though the premise and characters are a bit unimagined, you might find yourself impressed by the twist at the end.

Episode 2: Princess
Written, Directed, & Edited by James Morris

This episode’s premise? A haunted doll, left behind by former tenants, is discovered by a young girl after moving into the new house. For once, this is a genuinely creepy doll that’s not of the humanoid variety. Pediophobia, the fear of dolls, is a reality for many people. I’m not usually bothered by wee porcelain babes but I could not deny the sinister glare of Princess’ eyes.
Child actors are hard to love, but this one plays her role perfectly - somehow coming across still likeable and just a little bit bratty. I found myself actually wondering about the lives of the characters in this episode - they felt very real! Little Jamie wakes to a noise and peers down the stairs with a flashlight: “Are there mice down here?” she whispers, which I found adorable.
I was a big fan of the cinematography in this episode - a quality that keeps improving as the show goes on. I especially loved the last shot. This episode has a particularly childlike quality that isn’t found in the others but it really worked for me.

Episode 3: Not Alone
Written, Directed, & Edited by James Morris

This one is my favourite of the bunch! Like any quality cheese or fine wine, this anthology show keeps getting better with age. This was the episode that made me jump and say, “Ohhhh” - which is seriously difficult these days especially when aliens are involved. There’s a wonderful use of lighting and playing with shadows that mimics the foolery of our own brains. We’ve all mistaken a lump of clothes or hanging jacket for a ghoul, haven’t we? It’s a most unnerving experience. I especially enjoyed the radio in place of dialogue (and if you listen, you’ll even hear a tie-in to the previous episode!). Overall, the use of sound was superb and I enjoyed the tension throughout the episode. Most impressively, it resisted my most-hated horror trope that involves a mirror. I nearly cheered when it proved me wrong.
If you’re only going to watch one, make it this one!

The Witching Season is clearly a labour of love made by true horror fans. I have high hopes for subsequent episodes; they just keep getting better. Check them out, you won’t regret it!

-@bexbz

Child of Rage (Documentary & TV Movie)

Child of Rage (TV Documentary Short) | Released: 1990 | Rated: Unrated | Running Time: 30 minutes

I got sucked into a Youtube vortex last week that ultimately led to a countdown of controversial documentaries. It was pretty standard fare: Blackfish, Jesus Camp, Earthlings, and The Bridge were among the films listed. I’d seen most of them, but Child of Rage in particular caught my eye. In my current line of work, I interact with children who have witnessed abuse. Behavioural issues are not uncommon, and I was struck by the story Child of Rage told. This heartbreaking and disturbing TV Documentary aired in 1990 on HBO. It shows the real therapy tapes of a 6 ½ year old girl named Beth Thomas who experienced infant abuse and displayed subsequent “reactive attachment disorder”. This disorder is thought to occur when an infant does not attach to his/her primary caregiver (usually the mother) adequately in the early years. It manifests itself as disordered social models, behavioural disturbances, and in Beth’s case, a total lack of empathy or compassion.

Beth looks like a seemingly normal child. Her tiny frame and missing teeth plead innocence, but the minute she speaks a chill runs down your spine. The most disturbing part of this short documentary is Beth’s total lack of emotion. She recounts horrifying stories of abuse with a blank expression, glancing into the camera every now and again with her piercingly bright blue eyes.

We’re also introduced to Beth’s adoptive parents, a minister and his wife who adopted Beth and her younger brother John. They are well-meaning people who speak frankly about their situation; you can tell they’ve been dealing with it for some time. They share the fact that Beth and John were found by social services in their own filth, neglected and abused. Beth recounts terrible sexual abuse by her birth father, only one consequence of which is her inappropriate sexual interaction with family members.

Beth openly admits her desire to kill her entire family. She tells of repeatedly smashing John’s head into a cement floor, only stopping because her mom gets involved. She steals knives and plans to stab her parents at night. One of the most chilling quotes from the documentary is when the therapist asks, “Why do you want to do it at night?” and Beth responds, “Because I don’t like them seeing me do it, but they’ll feel me do it.” she is kept locked in her room at night to prevent her from injuring the family.

The family pets are not exempt from Beth’s rage. She recounts sticking pins into them, and killing a nest of baby birds. She seems to understand that she does these acts because of her inner pain, but shares no empathy or consideration for the pain of others. The documentary is not totally depressing - progress is shown through Beth’s experimental “attachment therapy” treatment, with a woman named Connell Watkins, that results in visible changes to her demeanor and emotional displays by the end of the film.

Short on time but chock full of disturbing retellings, this is a short documentary you’ll want to see. It gives an eerie look at the effects of child abuse and shows the transformation of a young girl. And because you’re already wondering: today, Beth is a Registered Nurse and seems to live a full and happy life.

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Child of Rage (TV Movie) | Released: 1992 | Rated: Unrated | Running Time: 1 hour 34 minutes | Directed: Larry Peerce | Written: Phil Penningroth, Suzette Couture

There is also a 1992 TV movie telling the story of Beth (though in the film she is called Catherine, or Cat) and her family. This movie version is automatically less disturbing, despite the great performance of Ashley Peldon as Catherine. Her sinister glare and evil smile are memorable. She plays mother to her younger brother Eric throughout the movie, dictating his every move and punishing any resistance.

Filmed with direct re-enactments of stories told by Beth in the documentary, several uncomfortable scenes are shown. This includes abuse done to both her brother and the animals in the house. Though, in therapy, Beth speaks fully of her father’s sexual abuse, this is more implied in the movie as Cat has dreams in inverse color of a man approaching her bed. She shows his actions with her teddy bears and tears them apart in one scene, learning to deal with her anger. “I killed him! I killed him!” she cries, as her terrified brother frantically blows an emergency whistle to wake their parents.

The parents seem more helpless here than in the actual therapy videos. In the beginning, they’re portrayed as delightfully naive and woefully unprepared. Perhaps they were, having no children of their own. They argue with each other over the best method to help Catherine. Cat’s tantrums are violent and destructive and her mother openly struggles with her ability to love her.

One thing that was clearer in this movie was the idea of what “attachment therapy” is. Without getting into the controversial pseudoscience: a therapist holds Cat down as she screams and fights in order to help her access her rage, and then feel the pain behind it. It’s interesting to note that approximately 8 years later a child (Candace Newmaker) was killed in the same woman’s therapy program. Beth Thomas testified on Connell’s behalf at her trial when she was tried and convicted of reckless child abuse resulting in death.

The TV movie version is eerie, but is not necessary viewing. While three times as long as the documentary, most of the addition is reenactments that you’ll already have seen vividly in your head if you’ve seen the documentary, or when showing the therapy sessions. If you’re going to watch both, watch the documentary first. The truth doesn’t change: what happened to Beth Thomas is gut-wrenching and had a real impact on her life.

@bexbz