Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: JESSABELLE (2014) from Lionsgate - October 4, 2016

JESSABELLE Blu-ray

JESSABELLE
Starring Sarah Snook, Mark Webber, Joelle Carter David Andrews, Ana de la Reguera, Chris Ellis, Brian Halliday, Amber Stevens West
Written by Robert Ben Garant
Cinematography by Michael Fimognari
Edited by Kevin Greutert
Produced by Jason Blum
Directed by Kevin Greutert
Released by Lionsgate

Welcome back my fellow horror hounds! Right now I would like to take you the bayous of Louisiana, where tonight's film takes place. Filled with voodoo magic, ghosts and hidden family secrets, JESSABELLE is one of those films that will surprise you with it's interesting story and complex characters.

The film's official synopsis: Returning to her childhood home in Louisiana to recuperate from a horrific car accident, Jessabelle (Sarah Snook) comes face to face with a long-tormented spirit that has been seeking her return and has no intention of letting her escape.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2014)

Actress Sarah Snook shines as our lead heroine. Vulnerable and naive the first half of the film, brave and fearless near the end. All roads on her journey towards both self-discovery and self-aware are steps in her character development. Snook really does an excellent job of conveying all of these elements and more. Jessabelle is a young woman who is trying to heal after surviving a horrible car accident. Once home, her life becomes even more complicated as she sooon unravels her true destiny but she once again fights for her life. I thoroughly enjoyed Sarah Snook's performance in the film and I am looking forward to seeing where her career takes her.

Kevin Greutert is no stranger to the horror genre, having directed SAW VI, SAW 3D: THE FINAL CHAPTER and VISIONS. However, he's best known as an editor and he not only edited this film but several others like SAW 1-6, THE COLLECTION, JOURNEY TO THE END OF NIGHT, ROOM 6 and THE STRANGERS. Greutert brings his eye for detail to the film, leaning towards more atmospheric chills as well as some nice jump scares. Credit also goes to screenwriter Robert Ben Garant for crafting a supernatural scary and intriguing script that contains a very satisfying twist ending.

The film was originally scheduled for release on January 10, 2014, but was pushed back till August that same year. It received a very limited theatrical release before being available on home video. Which to me it makes me very sad because there are some really interesting and original films being made in the independent film world. While there's the IFC Channel and Sundance Channel as well as the SyFy Network, it's not the same as going to an actual theater and watching a movie with those in your community.

Overall, JESSABELLE is a supernaturally spooky slice of cinema that you should really checkout this Halloween season! If you're looking for a movie with thrills and chills with a Louisiana voodoo twist, this will be right up your alley! 4 out of 5 stars! Recommended viewing!

JESSABELLE is currently available on both Blu-Ray and DVD. The movie is also available on iTunes, Video On Demand, Netflix and digital download.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!