The Horror Show
The Grave Caller
by Joseph Anderson
I have previously stated that I love it when movies take a simple concept and take time to do that well. However, I also respect movies that have ambitious, difficult concepts that are pulled off effectively. I guess whatever your intention is with making a movie, making it work is obviously the main thing. I've seen movies take on more than they can chew and end up feeling like a good idea that got muddled. However, I'm happy to say that this is not the case with a film I saw recently called The Grave Caller. While I won't call it perfect, it took on a hell of a wonderful idea and turned out a quality, effective project. But let's get a little more into the specifics.
The Grave Caller tells two stories simultaneously. This is no double feature, however, as the stories are quite connected. Sam (Nathaniel Grauwelman) and his wife Veronica (Vanessa Cuccia) are heading up to Sam's family cabin. Sam is a writer, primarily for the teen crowd, but he feels his new project is different. Veronica isn't so happy, as she was hoping the trip was going to be a vacation and not simply her husband working on a book while she goes along for the ride. Through the trip, we also learn the story of Sam's uncle Samuel (Jacob Crickenberger). There are rumors he killed his wife years back and the circumstances are mysterious.
The Grave Caller goes back and forth between the young writer dealing with his family's dark history as well as issues his wife encounters and portrays the story of his uncle and what really happened those years ago. Both stories are interesting, although I am partial to the latter, and if I'm being honest I think the film is as well. It's not that the story of Sam the writer isn't interesting, it absolutely is, but that part is more what stitches the film together as it's really the uncle's story. That is the heart of everything.
I'll admit at times I felt a bit confused but I can't state this as an official flaw as it's an ambitious story and the moments of confusion pass. In the end, the film connects its elements well and gives quite the impression in my opinion. It flows between the elements smoothly for the most part and feels fresh and unique. The acting aids all this as there wasn't a low note in this area. I'm not saying every performance is super noteworthy, but all of it is more than competent enough to serve the film and there is some real solid acting put forward. Especially from, but not limited to, the stars of the project.
While I do see The Grave Caller as a horror movie, the film thoroughly adds elements of drama into the mix as well. It's a haunting tone, but more rural than the suburban desolation I'm used to praising in films.
The film drew me in and worked for me. I genuinely found myself guessing at every turn where it would all end up. I will give credit to any film that does this, as perhaps the worst response a film can garner is apathy. At times that can be worse than someone outright bashing a film. A film should be memorable and I see myself remembering this one.
My final verdict is that I recommend The Grave Caller. It has a lot of moving parts but handles them beautifully and the project gives the feeling that those involved knew what they were doing. It's complex but thought out, back-and-forth but beautifully tied together. The music, the imagery, the emotion, it just all feels right. I can see myself checking this film out again now that I know how it all ends up. I would like to see what I notice the second time around. And that's a real compliment.
HMS received an advanced screener of this movie in exchange for review.
P.J. Griffin, HMS
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