Angel Baby

I knew this was going to be an awesome story before I ever watched it. The lead performances were off the charts! I had a feeling the actors and actress would enhance the experience with their talents, and I was right. Effects are very amazing, as is the cinematography. Groundbreaking camera work, breathtaking use of angles, picture-perfect shots in every scene. Everyone who worked on this production brought their A-game, that is clear. Their efforts pop off the screen. The people hired as key grips did top-notch work, and it pays off in every frame. The director certainly was able to induce everyone on the film to reach new heights of achievement because of his willingness to make each one of them feel valued. It is so refreshing to see such a well-made movie where everyone worked in harmony to produce something that will stand the test of time.

Film opens with two preteen children retaliating against their father's abuse by doing him in with a hammer. Years later a woman , Val, receives the sad news the twins she gave birth to didn't survive. This motivates her and her husband, a contractor, to move to the country where she can tolerate the noise level after acquiring some odd affliction that makes her sensitive to sound. From there on, sound plays no part in the plot.

Val spends many hours walking around house, occasionally disturbed by mysterious sounds and the specter of some middle-aged guy.

Her friend, Chloe, the doctor who unsuccessfully delivered her twins pops by to stay with the couple for the weekend and help nurse Val back to health. The locals introduce themselves over the next few days. Rebecca De Mornay plays the town's local bartender, dishing out unsolicited pearls of wisdom about marriage. Val continues to roam the house, uncovering a music box containing a spinning ballerina figure. It has nothing really to do with plot but I guess the director of this trite was paying homage to the time honored tradition of "heroine finding a music box; what does it mean?". Val also finds a novel with the same title as the movie's. It's significance? Not much but extends movie by 5 minutes of dialogue and low key action involving the disposal of the book.

The end of the movie just kind of ends; it's almost like everyone involved was paid by the hour but not for overtime, so plot came to a rushed conclusion, with some questions unanswered, including why the film was called "Angel Baby" since there wasn't one.

It was so listless and silly you may actually want to watch it to the end to see if it gets any worse. BTW. From the credit roll, it appears many involved in making it worked at least two jobs producing it. I am beginning to think that included 'Positive Reviewer'.

I really enjoyed the build up, the film kept me engaged. Isabel's performance was awesome and even though Rebecca De Mornay was only in the film for a short bit, her performace was amazing . If you are a fan of psychological horror this is the film for you. The film has a great setting, a creepy cabin in the woods. What could go wrong right? The setting and ambience add to the overall tension and arc of the film.

This was the first feature film directed by horror icon Doug Tait and I was really impressed with his shot selection and overall feel of the film. I would definitely recommend this film.

Angel Baby (2023), directed by Douglas Tait, is a chilling, slow-burn psychological horror that hits hard and lingers long after the credits roll. It's not just a film-it's an experience, one that grips you emotionally from the very first frame.

What makes this story stand out is its ability to balance emotional realism with an eerie, slow-burning atmosphere. The performances are stunning-so deeply human and vulnerable that you forget you're watching actors. Every moment feels lived-in, every silence meaningful.

Tait's direction is sharp and intimate, letting the tension simmer without ever relying on clichés. The pacing is deliberate and rewarding, allowing the dread to grow organically. Visually, the film is absolutely gorgeous. The remote setting is both haunting and breathtaking, amplifying the characters' isolation and emotional unraveling.

This isn't a jump-scare horror movie-it's something much deeper. It creeps under your skin and stays there, exploring grief, fear, and love in a way that feels uniquely personal and unsettling.

If you're a fan of emotionally driven thrillers with haunting visuals and character depth, Angel Baby is a must-watch.

I am neither cast or crew on this film. That being said, for an independent film, this Thriller/Suspence had my wife and I hooked from the beginning. My wife inparticular, usually falls asleep while watching TV at night, but this movie had her full attention as well as mine. We both had two "Oh sh!%" moments and at the exact same time. The movie had us in full debate and even question our predictions on who was who, and what was going to happen next. The ending had me and my wife asking..."Who the Heck was that?" To see what I mean, you need to watch the movie. When all is said and done, I recommend this movie to those who love Suspence. The ending is open for debate if a sequel will be made. We will see.