A teenage girl makes a Faustian pact with a trio of gypsies who promise that they can use the occult to bring back her recently dead brother in return for the life of an innocent person of their choosing.
Dig Two Graves is a film which I definitely hope is picked up and given a proper distribution. It would be a criminal waste otherwise, as this is a very well-made supernatural tinged thriller. It brought me to mind of Winter's Bone (2010) in which it shared both the derelict and battered location (both films were shot on either side of the same river seemingly), as well as a story of a teenage girl in the middle of a dangerous situation created by the past actions of the adults who surround her, the upshot being that this youngster comes across as the most level-headed character in her neighbourhood. While this one doesn't measure up to the quality of Winter's Bone as such, it remains a very good effort indeed and one that deserves a wide distribution, as I truly expect that this one will connect with many people. The story is set in 1977 but there are several flashbacks to 1947, it seems that there was a very bad event in the past that has informed the present, with ghosts from the past returning to the surface demanding closure in one way or another.
Director Hunter Adams has done a very good job here, putting together an interesting dark story and ensuring that it looks great throughout. Like a lot of regional films, the southern Illinois setting is a character in itself, with the run-down locales contrasting with the beautiful natural scenery – it's a great location for a mysterious thriller. Setting it in the 70's is a bonus, as it ensures that modern technology does not get in the way of the story, while benefiting the supernatural angle that underpins it; the period detail additionally adds appealing visual flavour to proceedings also. Another plus point is the acting, with Ted Levine given a very rare lead role. He is most well-known to genre fans for his highly creepy turn as Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), in this one he is a conflicted lawman with dark and troubling secrets and his talents bring a lot to the table here. Even better is newcomer Samantha Isler who puts in a very good performance as the young girl at the centre of the narrative. She is thoroughly convincing and sympathetic here. In summary, this is a beautifully photographed and well-acted dramatic thriller, with an intriguing story and great location. Hopefully it will find its way to a wider audience.
