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When talking about vintage Canadian horror, people naturally bring up the likes of Black Christmas, Prom Night and My Bloody Valentine. These movies were all part of the Great White North’s (in)famous “tax shelter” era, and many of them are now deemed cult classics. But mention Ghostkeeper and chances of recognition are slim to none. James Makichuk’s debut isn’t the kind of movie someone typically goes out of their way to watch, much less track down. And despite it being sold as a slasher, Ghostkeeper strays far off the well beaten path formed by its contemporaries. In place of the standard masked killer with a predilection for young victims is a threat that can barely be considered human.

Shot in Banff National Park in late 1980, Ghostkeeper mainly occurs at a single location. The normally picturesque Deer Lodge is transformed into a harsh hideaway where signs of life are hard to find,...