PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… this is the year of Stephen King. He’s killing it with his film and TV adaptations in 2017 and his fans couldn’t be more excited. Of course, there’s always the thought in the back of our minds that any adaption of his has as much chance of being a flop as it does a success. So when we heard about Rainy Season, a horror film based on the eponymous short story from King’s collection Nightmares & Dreamscapes (1993), we were a bit skeptical. Did Rainy Season float or did it sink like a stone?
Produced by Above the Line Artistry, Rainy Season was directed by Vanessa Ionta Wright who also wrote the screenplay. The film stars Brian Ashton Smith, Bryan Michael Dickerson, Anne-Marie Kennedy, Jan Nelson, Lillian Gray, Emma Josephine Wright, and Kermit Rolison.
Official Synopsis:
A young couple arrives in the town of Willow, ME, for summer vacation and after repeated warnings from town locals to leave, they stay and learn the horrific price the town must pay for prosperity.
Rainy Season is now one of my favorite Stephen King adaptations. Vanessa Ionta Wright killed it every step of the way. With a run time of just over 20 minutes, the film is beautifully shot from beginning to end. Mark Simon worked some magic with the cinematography, paying close attention to detail throughout the film, whether it was far away scenery or intimate shots.
The story for Rainy Season feels like a mix of things: Stephen King meets R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps. I can almost hear Stine saying, “Viewer beware, you’re in for a scare!” The tension slowly builds up throughout the film as the night grows darker and the rain starts to fall. What could be out there and what does it want? All we know is sacrifices must be made. Love it!
All of the characters delivered excellent performances, but I will say I enjoyed Kermit Rolison and Jan Nelson’s characters the most. They are simple town folk but their commentary and Mainiac personalities stuck with me long after the film was over.
Rainy Season is not heavy on blood or gore, but it’s also not necessary. The thrill and mystery of the story hold its own and leaves the viewer on the edge of their seat. The ending is one of the best parts and there’s a moment in the very last scene that made me chuckle, giving the story a bit of dark comedy vibe as well.
Last but not least, I really dug the music throughout the film. Ross Childress composed a lighthearted musical score with moments of intensity mixed in with happy nostalgic songs. “Who Will Stop the Rain” was the perfect song to start things off and set the tone for the film.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, Rainy Season is a great story and a perfect addition to your Halloween watch list. Vanessa Ionta Wright has great vision and talent, and I’m beyond amazed at how well she brought Stephen King’s story to life. She’s definitely a filmmaker to keep your eye on. I’m positive that she’s bound to do great things in horror.
