Starring: Kaye Ly Johnston, Baracha, Elizabeth Rath
Directed by: Jared Masters
Indie-filmmaking: that to me is the absolute root-system of this entire industry – you’ve got to have the passion and the guts to put something out there, even if it may not be embraced by the masses, or placed on the top-shelf based on monetary restrictions. It’s art, it’s love, and it comes from a place deep in the creator’s heart, and that’s what makes these movies true labors of emotion. Up on the morgue slab this early morning is Jared Masters’ latest horror film, THE NIGHTGOWN – it’s got possession, it’s got murder, and it’s got magic mushrooms! Step on inside, and please don’t disturb the other bodies when I’m reviewing…I’ve got a reputation to uphold.
The year is 1976, and we’re following a trio of young lasses (Johnston, Baracha & Rath) that have opted to sneak out of the prohibitive religious school they’re enrolled in, and what better spot to hole up in is the place where a supposed erroneous exorcism took place some time ago. Father Munhauser (Randy Masters) is the incriminated man of the cloth I’m speaking about, and his reputation has certainly preceded itself with these accusations and his general temperament as a whole. He’s a devout fellow to the man upstairs, and he doesn’t take too kindly to wayward ways under his watch. The girls immediately upon arrival begin to experience some innately odd occurrences, and the poor soul at the front-end of it all is a girl/ghost named Mary (Hannah Dunsley-Ricechester) – is this the forsaken young lady who met a harsh ending at the hands of the baneful cleric?
As the movie rolls on, there’s a more than equal dosages of current & past events, all in the attempt of keeping the viewers fully in-tune with every demonic instance – some are easily cohesive, while others could potentially have you scratching the flesh covering off of your brain bucket. All in all, Masters does a commendable job of tightening the plot, then effectively wrapping it around your throat and going for the choke – the guy’s got guile when it comes to storytelling, without a doubt. The movie has a somewhat dated appearance, almost evoking those blessed VHS days of yore, which should certainly add to the appeal factor once this gets released to the swarm.
When all’s said and dead, I can definitely recommend THE NIGHTGOWN to lovers of possession flix – while not the splashiest or creepiest piece of unholy benefaction to be tossed onto the collection plate, it’s still got the goods to offer up to the congregation…give it to em then watch em spontaneously combust in effigy.
