by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Is there anything creepier than getting stuck on an isolated island? The bridge is up… the people are WEIRD… and something is just off… A great horror film needs a great setup. With the right one, the filmmakers can play around with the scares and the characters to deliver something special. Luckily, with Offseason, writer-director Mickey Keating found himself the perfect setup to deliver the film he wanted. When a woman’s mother’s grave is defaced on a secluded island community, she is rushed there with a close companion. But once they make it on the island, things do not go quite so well.
Speaking of the story, how does Keating’s screenplay lay the groundwork? In many scripts, the use of flashbacks can feel tacked on and disrupt the flow. With Offseason, Keating threads mystery into the narrative in a smooth and poignant way. These flashbacks add layers to the relationship between Marie (our lead, played by Jocelin Donahue) and her mother. These scenes are honestly the most emotionally resonant and impactful in the film. Outside of that, the narrative is quite straightforward… but with a hint of mystery. The race to get off the island is the goal, but why this island is the way it is keeps the audience guessing. The infused folk horror elements add plenty of depth and dimensions to the film as well.
For a good old horror flick, you need the scares, right? Keating creates a pitch perfect atmosphere for this creepy setting. Being able to combine the setting, setup, and atmosphere, Keating highlights the use of fog and stormy weather to highlight this dark and eerie island. The color palette of the film is a gray tint, which brings the ghostly island the ideal look for what occurs. There is a strong use of deep focus to highlight the eerie entities that exist behind Marie as she travels across this island. The suspense and tension are on point, as each scene feels like something is right there ready to jump out and scare you. Keating focuses on suspense and atmosphere and stays clear of the tiresome jump scare fad of horror films.
But which element of the film elevates it the most? Those performances. Jocelin Donahue brings a raw and emotional performance which anchors the film in a relatable way. The physicality that Donahue brings is great for building tension in each scene. But even she cannot outshine Melora Walters, who plays Marie’s mother. In the scenes where the film cuts to the flashbacks, Walters brings so much presence and emotion. It is hard to look away from her on screen. Special shoutout to Richard Brake who almost steals the show with one scene. His fiery passion is a great addition to the climax of the film, which raises the stakes and helps the audience realize the gravity of Marie’s situation.
Are you ready for a new horror flick on Shudder? Offseason is draped in atmosphere and offers plenty of folk horror elements. In the vein of The Wicker Man and other great isolation horror films, this is a moving and impactful tale. Keating’s film offers up plenty of great elements that are brought together to deliver a high-quality horror film.
Grade: B
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