Hauntology

At the end of the film Hauntology, I found myself grappling with mixed feelings. On one hand, the premise of the film intrigued me, but on the other, I was left feeling that it could have been a far more engaging experience. As the credits rolled, I couldn't help but reflect on the numerous moments throughout the film that made me cringe, primarily due to the subpar acting and effects. These elements, while perhaps intended to create a unique atmosphere, often detracted from the overall narrative and emotional impact of the story.

The film seems to cater to a very niche audience, one that appreciates the deeper, perhaps more esoteric themes of hauntology itself. This concept, which deals with the presence of ghosts from the past within the current reality, offers fertile ground for storytelling. However, as someone who doesn't necessarily resonate with this specific audience, I felt somewhat alienated. Despite its intellectual ambitions, Hauntology struggled to communicate its ideas effectively, leaving me and perhaps other viewers outside its intended demographic feeling somewhat disconnected.

One of the most notable shortcomings was the acting. The performances came across as wooden and unconvincing at times, which made it challenging to become emotionally invested in the characters. For a film that seeks to explore themes of memory, loss, and the haunting presence of the past, it is vital for the actors to evoke genuine emotions. Unfortunately, the lack of depth in their portrayals made it difficult to connect with their struggles. Instead of feeling empathy or tension, I found myself distracted by the performances, which undermined the film's potential to resonate on a deeper level.

Additionally, the special effects left much to be desired. In a genre where visual storytelling can significantly enhance the atmosphere and narrative, the substandard effects often pulled me out of the moment. Rather than instilling a sense of dread or intrigue, they felt clunky and unrefined. This was particularly evident in the film's attempt to convey its ghostly themes, as the effects did not succeed in creating a haunting or eerie ambiance. Instead of being captivated by the visuals, I was left feeling more amused than scared, which is not the reaction a horror film typically aims to elicit.

"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!

I saw this film at its premiere at Dances with Films waaaay back in June (I'm just now joining this site.) I truly enjoyed it. If you didn't get it by the name, this film is a horror anthology. A lot of indie films go this route. I believe because it elevates a lot of the problems with production schedules. You can make a film piece by piece or have multiple directors come on and each tackle a section. This film appears to only have one director though throughout its smaller stories. This led to a lot of fun with the themes it tackles. If you're a member of the LGBT community, you'll find a lot to love here. And, that's a huge crossover in horror fandom. Like most horror, I feel like its best to go in blind to these, but I will say, the one about the art gallery was my favorite. When I think of this movie, that's the one that sticks with me. That and the ending wrap around that ties the whole experience together nicely.

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.

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 ...