PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Throughout the history of horror, the relationships between mothers and children have often been the source of tension and violence. Such is the case in this new thriller, The Dead Window. It’s so fitting as Mother’s Day just passed, that the spotlight gets shined on the often toxic balance between an overprotective matriarch and her traumatized kin.
Let’s take a look at what makes The Dead Window so effective.
The Dead Window was written by Lola Bradbury (in their writing debut) and BC Fourteen (Bigfoot vs. Megalodon 2021) and directed by Fourteen. It stars Jennifer DiBlasio (Steel-Man 2022), Emily Uritz (The Vampyress 2021) and Brian Berry (Tickles The Clown 2021). The story centers on domineering mother Cora, trying to manipulate and control her daughter Piper, after she murders Piper’s boyfriend.
This story is a well-woven tale that spins layers of lies, cover-ups, and tactics. DiBlasio’s Cora has the perfect mix of a self-centered stage mother who sees no wrong in her micromanaging behavior, and Norma Bates from Psycho (read our retro review here) who protects her spawn in her own twisted way. Uritz plays the demure foil as Piper, whose trauma has led her to see her murdered boyfriend in times when she’s been drugged and stressed.
But it’s not just the tension and chemistry of the two lead actors that shines. All five featured actors in this film are given substance, clear motives, and an internal clock as Piper tries to uncover all of Cora’s misdeeds. Everyone bounces off of each other well, and the shades of grey in each character give each scene in The Dark Window a lot to take in.
The film is shot cleanly, the location gives a tense feel of seclusion, and the rare moments of gore don’t hold back. Cora’s complicated relationships and twisted family dynamics make for a wonderful character study into two weathered minds.
The Dead Window is now available on Amazon Prime and comes highly recommended.
