Hauntology

Hauntology is somewhat difficult to categorize. More spooky than terrifying, this anthology manages to wrap its unique narrative into consistent themes and tones. Writer-Director Parker Brennon directs all segments, weaving together a film that pays homage to several sub-genres, making Hauntology a tapestry of horror, supernatural scifi, giallo slasher, monster movie, and psychological tension across it's segments. The thread binding Hauntology's narrative together is the isolation, fear, and "otherness" experienced in queer, BIPOC, and feminine perspectives, subtly explored by Brennon and an ensemble cast that is particularly impressive for a small independent film. Those haunting elements of the film are further invoked by an intentional pace and atmospheric photography, perfectly matched by a score that manages to somehow sound both foreboding and eerily cheerful.

Don't come expecting copious jump scares or buckets of blood (although there are some of booth). Hauntology is entirely more "Let's Scare Jessica to Death" or "Carnival of Souls", than it is "Terrifier" or "Nightmare on Elm Street". What does come in abundance are easter eggs and tribute nods worthy of rewatches and Reddit boards.

Wow, wasn't expecting to watch a homegrown horror on the same day as the mega Megalopolis, so this review was supposed to be much shorter in my mind, but the similarities between the two really stood out to me, and I ended up kinda writing a two in one blended review for both haha

"Don't Dream It, Be It" - HAUNTOLOGY (2024), dir. Parker Brennon 🎩👻🌈🎩👻🌈🎩👻🌈🎩👻🌈🎩👻🎩

By happenstance, I was paid to watch a screener at home for this crowdfunded, small scale indie I had not heard of on the same day as spending money to witness Francis Ford Coppola's self financed epic, Megalopolis, up on the big screen after over a year of eager anticipation for its release being involved in the production myself. What I didn't anticipate going in though, was how I left the theater surprisingly struck by the similarities seen within the unintended double bill, despite the glaringly apparent distinctions between the two films.

READ REVIEW ON LETTERBOXD: (RollTide1931)

#hauntology #parkerbrennon #Megalopolis #francisfordcoppola.

When I stumbled upon the 2024 movie "Hauntology" by random chance here in 2025, I figured it was a horror anthology, given the title of the movie. Normally I am not keen on horror anthologies, as they tend to be a questionable affair in general. But given my life-long love and fascination with the horror genre, of course I had to check out what writer and director Parker Brennon had to offer.

And yes, "Hauntology" is indeed a horror anthology.

Well, as a horror anthology, let's break down the individual segments.

The first segment is titled "Witchcraft Becomes Her" was an adequate tale in the sense that it had an interesting story, but it was hardly a scary story. In fact, this was actually the best of all the boring segments that made up "Hauntology".

Segment number two is titled "The Day Mabel Came out of the Grave". A nice and interesting title, if nothing else. But again, there was nothing scary about this tale either.

Moving on to the third segment, which is titled "Paint & Black Lace". I never understood the strangulation by a plastic bag thing, as you just simply use two fingers to tear a hole at your mouth, voila, and you can breathe. And once again, another segment that proved not to be scary.

And the fourth segment is titled "The Old Dark Cashel House", oh and guess what, not scary either.

The narrative that tied the four different segments was actually better than most of the segments.

The only performers on the cast list that I was familiar with was Naomi Grossman and Nancy Kyes. The acting performances throughout the segments were fair, despite of them having very meager material to work with.

"Hauntology" was a brutally dull anthology. Notice how I left out the 'horror' part there? Yeah, there was nothing horror about this dumpster fire of a movie.

My rating of writer and director Parker Brennon dumpster fire of a "horror" anthology lands on a generous two out of ten stars, not because there is any entertainment to be had in the segments, but because of the production value of the ordeal and the acting performances.

No pun intended - the movie consists of multiple stories being told ... to make someone think about their plan to leave ... I'll tell you stories ... and when I am done maybe you want to stay. I personally don't see it ... but then again, maybe one character loves telling stories and the other one likes listening to them.

This deals with a lot of issues ... like LGBTQ+ stuff and so much more. So obviously you cannot be too sensitive with stuff like that. You also should be aware that this has some script issues ... and acting issues ... sometimes it is cringe ... like a lot. You may feel ashamed or embarrassed ... I reckon you will be able to tell if this is for you or not .. very early on. I might have rated it higher than others ... but also lower than some who liked the themes and didn't mind the flaws ...

"Hauntology" is a wickedly clever LGBTQ+ horror anthology that'll haunt you long after the credits roll. Director Parker Brennon weaves four interconnected tales set in "one of the most haunted places in the country," serving up a supernatural smorgasbord that's equal parts chilling and thought-provoking.

Let's peek into our ghostly grab bag:

"Witchcraft Becomes Her": Julian Cashel's magical transition journey gives new meaning to "body horror." With a witchy assist from Annalisa Drouais, Julian exorcises toxic masculinity - literally!

"The Day Mabel Came Out of the Grave": Great-great-great grandma Mabel Bishop rises from the dead for a second chance at sapphic love. Who says you can't teach an old ghost new tricks?

"Paint and Black Lace": A giallo-inspired masterpiece where the deceased artist May Felner turns art thieves into, well, art. It is, if you will, a killer aesthetic.

"The Old Dark Cashel House": Journalist Madeline Ishii faces off against the ghost of racist patriarch William Cashel. It's "Casper the Friendly Ghost" meets "Get Out."

Brennon's secret sauce is a dash of social commentary, a sprinkle of regional lore, and a heaping helping of family ties. The result is a cohesive supernatural feast that's more satisfying than your average anthology appetizer.

"Hauntology" proves that the only thing scarier than ghosts is outdated prejudice. It's the perfect treat to kick off your spooky season, showcasing solidarity and sisterhood that transcend both generations and planes of existence. Trust me, this director is one to watch... if you dare!