Horror anthologies are a classic staple in film stretching back to the ‘60s with early classics Black Sabbath, Trilogy of Terror and Creepshow to name a few as well as numerous straight to video releases.
While rarer these days, those released digitally and on DVD showcase up and coming directors, actors and new stories with new takes on classic formulas and new ideas eyes have never seen.
Taking a cinematic page from the 100 Candles Game, director Guillermo Lockhart has taken eight stories intertwined with actors playing the game in a dark candle lit room giving the game narration as well as feeding the surrounding supernatural energy.
There’s a feeling of vintage camp fire nostalgia along with some environmental elements of Blair Witch and The Craft. After each story the teller stands in front of the mirror and blows out a candle.
The origins of the game (Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai), while not exact, date back to Japan, played in different variations as a test of bravery.
The mirror itself has a cool design reflecting aspects of mystery and what lies on the other side, inside the glass. Though, one of the best haunted mirrors on film is arguably the tall full-size frame of 1990’s Mirror, Mirror.
The main story is directed by Guillermo Lockhart featuring raven black haired Erika, (Magui Bravi ) hosting the game, explaining the rules adding early spook factor, looking like she’s holding secrets, reading from a book and the legend behind it. Nothing bad ever happened reading out loud from an old text, anyway. A few overhead shots of the group circle give ambiance and mood.
Nine directors showcase their stories, each contributing a different, original vision with Lockhart writing along with Mauro Croche. Storytellers include Clara Kovacic (Kristy), James Wright (James) and Agustin Olcese (Alex) with Luz Champane, (Grandma), Amparo Espinola (Granddaughter), and Fiona the cat.
Stories range from short, simple and effective to longer and more intricate. Most are well told, some self-explanatory, while others make you think a little. Hallucinations, being off medication and being buried alive can make you see and do strange things.
First story told by Alex, “A Little Taste” is a short and effective, role reversal of sorts involving two young girls, a hunter, a creepy forest and a foreboding seesaw.
Second story “When Demons Die” feeds into personal paranoia and mental illness with a boy and father living in a house, killing animals to survive. There’s homage to The Fog as creatures lurk around the grounds, stalking the house waiting to attack. The boy watches a desperate tragedy happen, eventually trekking outside to salvation.
James, who could pass for Aleister Black’s stunt double, minus tattoos tells about the children with black eyes and their victim, the poor lady with the oxygen tank. Short and sweet with a nod to Psycho’s upstairs ceiling shot with best use of lightning and darkness as effect and creepiest of the early entries.
Basically every possession story post-Blatty owes a debt to The Exorcist and what Alex reveals in “Blight” is no different. Though the plot is centuries back with a pregnant woman. There are decent possession effects as the woman gives birth. After the ‘priest’ leaves the terror continues, revealing a premeditated plan for eventual Armageddon.
“Drip” reeks of subtle supernatural substance. A ghost story that warns, don’t take pictures of corpses.
The circle concludes with Erica’s wicked bookend/confession as things get a little dark and revealing sharing some personal family history.
The formula has been done before but the group gets enough screen time, not overstaying their welcome. Each story gets a nice spotlight and we the feeling each person’s telling the group while we watch it unfold. While not every story will entertain and enthrall everyone in a darkened room, there are eight chances to find something you’ll like.
