FILM REVIEW: A DEMON WITHIN
Directors: Ayush Banker, Justin LaReau
Writers: Ayush Banker, Justin LaReau, Michelle Beyda-Scott
Starring: Charlene Amoia, Clint Hummel, Patricia Ashley, Michael Ehlers, Cole Crawford, Veronika Bonell, David Sweetman, Laura Anne Parry , Tim Jenkins
Release Date: January 20, 2018
★☆☆☆☆
❍ s–o–m
One hundred years ago, a demonic spirit preyed upon a family, resulting in the death of an innocent girl. Today, small town doctor Jeremy Miller (Clint Hummel) must stop history from repeating itself by confronting personal demons while fighting to save the life of a teenage girl whom with her mother, has recently moved into the plagued home he had once lived in.
Julia Larsen (Charlene Amoia) and daughter Charlotte (Patricia Ashley) hope to make a fresh start in picture perfect Crestwick, but when Charlotte finds herself possessed by Nefas, the demon residing in her home, the relationship between mother and daughter is tested.
The story is familiar and in the hands of not one but two directors- Justin LaReau and Ayush Banker, A Demon Within still never fully presents itself as a horror movie that works. In many regards it plays out like a college project, but even those have the potential to offer more inspiration.
The plot holes are unavoidable and the fact that the good, small town doc is plagued not once but twice by the same demonic force; only to a avoid its veracity both times, is not only annoying but also lamentable.
But the scene stealer (not for reasons intended), is the deep, manly voice Charlotte switches to whilst in her possessed state. These choices walk a fine line between scary and ridiculous. Unfortunately here, we experience the latter.
A Demon Within is the regurgitated story, once superbly told as a little movie known as William Friedkin’s The Exorcist. When recreating a horror movie that is the equivalent to undoubtedly one of the best horror movies ever made, it would be best to offer a new vision to the viewers. Here unfortunately, we see nothing new and the old tale is just stale.
Horror Revival 