PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Growing up, one of my favorite films was The Craft (still is). I used to wish I was a witch and practice light as a feather and stiff as a board with my friends. Unfortunately, nothing happened and that’s the most I’ve ever dabbled anything like witchcraft or cult-like situations. However, I am fascinated by cult studies and what drives people to do what they do. Sometimes dabbling in things you don’t fully understand can be quite frightening like in the horror film Pyewacket.
The main character proves this when her occult studies go awry and her world turns upside down and she quickly loses her grip on reality…
IFC Midnight brings audiences this exciting new horror thriller that was written and directed by Adam MacDonald (Backcountry). It stars Laurie Holden (The Walking Dead, The X-Files) and Nicole Muñoz (Pathfinder, The Last Mimzy).
Per IFC Midnight Press Release – Official Synopsis for Pyewacket:
“When you’re dealing with demons, be careful what you wish for… In this ultra-unsettling occult nightmare, teenage Leah (Muñoz) finds solace from the recent death of her father—and from her strained relationship with her mother (Holden)—by dabbling in the dark arts. It all seems like harmless fun at first, until a blow out argument leads Leah to do the unthinkable: put a death curse on her mother. No sooner has the girl performed the ritual than she regrets it. But it may be too late, as an evil presence known as Pyewacket begins to make itself known—and threatens to destroy both mother and daughter. Backcountry director Adam MacDonald builds hair-raising tension around what’s both a complex mother-daughter tale and a frightening fable about our darkest desires.”
Ya know it’s still early in the year, but I truly believe that Pyewacket will hands down be one of my favorites of 2018. It’s perfect. Everything I’ve been looking for in a horror movie. The film has an incredible bone chilling atmosphere, with phenomenal performances, and a delightfully twisted story that will leave you wondering if anything is real. Don’t trust your lying eyes.
From beginning to end, the atmosphere was chilling, bone chilling as stated previously. You can feel the evil lurking around every corner and that something horrible would soon happen. It left an unsettling yet exciting feeling in my stomach.
Laurie Holden and Nicole Muñoz both delivered emotionally driven performances that were powerful and not easily forgotten. It was special treat to see Laurie back on screen again. I know her character was an important part of The Walking Dead, but I think her role in Pyewacket showed her raw talent up close. Her character was the kind where you go from hating them to understanding them throughout the runtime.
I haven’t seen Nicole in other films, but after seeing her kick-ass performance in this one, I hope to see her in plenty more especially horror. She goes through a very emotional experience and you can feel the madness take over her body. Nicole has a girl next door vibe, but I think she could play any type of role beautifully – so let’s hope we see more of her in the future.
The story is full of twists and turn – you never know what to expect. Once the darkness is released no one is safe and nothing is at it seems. I definitely didn’t see that end coming and I think horror fans will love it.
Final Thoughts on Pyewacket:
If you’ve been looking for a horror film that will actually scare you, Pyewacket may just be it. I’m not easily scared, but this one shook me to my core. It was brilliantly executed, delightfully creepy, and one that I know I’ll want to add to my collection. Pyewacket is coming to select theaters and VOD on March 23! Will you be checking it out? Let us know.
