Melanie's Grave, primarily helmed by Garry Moore, is one of those B-grade flicks that might just keep some viewers on their toes. The plot centers around a thief who seeks shelter in a house, only to discover it's home to Mel (Rachel Meredith), a character dealing with autism and severe OCD. This intriguing setup paves the way for a gripping and suspenseful story that strays from the usual hostage film tropes.
Rachel Meredith gives a commendable performance as Mel, capturing the nuances of her character, though nothing particularly groundbreaking stands out. As Mel's troubled history unfolds, the audience gets pulled into a captivating web of suspense. The film smartly flips expectations, moving from a hostage scenario to a psychological thriller with surprising fluidity.
In the second act, the scene shifts to a forested area, complete with a retro, eerie soundtrack and gory special effects, reminiscent of an 80s slasher movie. This shift from the close quarters of the first act adds an unexpected twist to the film's overall flow.
By the third act, viewers find themselves surprisingly cheering for Mel as she tries to stay under the radar of the authorities, even as they grasp the reasons behind her predicament. This moral gray area enriches the plot and prompts the audience to reflect on their own feelings.
While the film might benefit from a tighter edit, the deliberate pacing of the action sequences lends a sense of authenticity to the hostage scenario... have no expectation, and maybe you get surprised!
