The Overlook: Banshee Chapter

(imdb.com)

Every once in a while, a horror movie comes along purporting that our government isn't as transparent as it seems. Certainly, some knowledge isn't afforded to the populace because of its sensitive material, but these films like 2013's Banshee Chapter suggest that those meant to represent us, may have far more sinister intentions. Movies like this, while superbly fictional, leave viewers with a sense of wonderment - and for good reason. After all, we will never know exactly what kind of things our government researches, or how advanced science actually is for in a variety of fields. But that's the very thing that makes movies like Banshee Chapter so great - their elaborate exploration of secrete government functions bewilder and capture imagination.

Banshee Chapter, directed by Blair Erickson, is a partially found-footage film that follows the disappearance of a man researching a mysterious drug, DMT-19. After he's gone missing, his worried friend, Anne begins searching for him. She happens upon his research and begins studying the project and drug. Things become increasingly suspicious as she happens upon a man and woman who trick her into taking the drug. Discoveries are made and it' becomes abundantly clear that the government isn't wholly in control of the resulting dangers of the project.

The film stars Katia Winter (Dexter) as reporter, Anne, Michael McMillian (True Blood) as James, Anne's missing friend, Ted Levine (The Silence of the Lambs) as Thomas, a conspiracy theorist and one of the pair who trick Anne, and Jenny Gabrielle (Force of Execution) plays opposite of Levine as drug maker Callie. This movie is greatly improved by this crop of stars who keep their performances leveled and interesting enough. Winter is especially effective at leading the way for a film that has the potential to lose viewers through its twisting plot.

The film's best parts are its use of the radio silence heard by the characters on the drug. Panicky and disturbing, the sounds set a tone and atmosphere that'll make audiences feel a part of the delusion. On top of that, additional, well-placed jump scares make for some fantastically terrifying jolts. While many dislike these cheap gimmicks, in Banshee Chapter, they're undeniably fun.

The one flaw working against this film is its use of interwoven footage outside of the films timeline. Muddling the already relatively dense plotline, cutaways to prisoners being experimented on take focus away from what the audience needs to pay attention to. If the film stuck with a chronological and straightforward story, this issue would be easily remedied and prevent a loss of interest. Luckily though, these parts are short - distracting, but short. There are other minor, unnecessary moments throughout, but none are truly glaring and are certainly overcome by the great aspects of this film.

Banshee Chapter is a very specific type of film, but features enough horror conventions to win over some less adventurous viewers. Despite some more confusing moments, the pairing of jump scares, atmosphere and dark plot make for a compelling and fun film with plenty of horror tossed in. It's worth the watch.