The Harrowing

source: The Harrowing

The story in itself is very original, full of suspense, of drama and adventure.

Full of suspense! This film wrapped me up in its chilling world. I was all in! The entire cast did a fabulous job of bringing some pretty wild characters to life. Very well done and directed! You'll have to watch it again and again and maybe one more time after that to make sure you didn't miss something and you'll have questions after, many questions. BUT...it pulls you in. Well played sir!!

Looking for a movie with suspense and twists? Check this one out, had me on the edge of my seat. Loved it!

In the latest offering from the team of Jon Keeyes and Mathew Tompkins, The Harrowing speeds along like a fever dream. After a series of brutal murders, Det. Ryan Calhoun begins to believe there may be demonic involvement. Or is he losing his mind? I won't give it away here, mostly because after several viewings...I'm not sure. With each viewing I can argue either case. The supporting cast is great starting with the magnificent Arnold Vosloo and Michael Ironside. Also noteworthy is Morgana Shaw as a mystery woman who 'happens' to show up whenever Calhoun least expects. Tompkins brings Calhoun's uncertainty, drive, vulnerability and horror (and madness?) to life in a career high performance.

This is the biggest waste of time I've spent in some time. Movie had no direction at all. Lame ass storyline and stupid hospital depiction. Big fn waste.

Jon Keeyes is presenting us with one of his best films to date. A twisting, turning journey into madness. I loved how he blurred the lines of reality. There are so many subtle elements you'll be glad your streaming it so you can stop and go back to see if you really did see what you thought you did. I don't want to go into to much detail or I'd spoil the ride for you. Just know it's worth the watch. Also check out Mr. Keeyes other latest release Doom Room.

Keeyes story blends fantasy horror with seedy crime syndicate concepts that are poignant to real world issues. It is quite a heady storyline with a deeper meaning snaked through the film, revealing a larger story at play. It isnt a new idea to use a plotline as a metaphor of sorts to tell a bigger story , but Keeyes gets gritty and almost masterful in his attempt in a most creative way. The characters are fully realized. Easily recognizable, even as unsavory as most are, and you can connect with their plight. "The Harrowing" is a transitional nightmare that plays with perceptions. Although at times the film hits lags with wordy cliché dialog, there is not a moment you forget what you are watching. Mostly because the horror of the previous scenes or the understanding that things are going to get even more horrible afterwards. There are a few moments that hurt "The Harrowing". During the midway point as things get clearer, during the story transition, the story gets a bit muddled in the beginning. Luckily just as it feels Keeves could be heading off the rails , the muddle fades and the story rebounds and kicks in to high gear. You still are made to watch the story unfold with a big question mark overhead, but that is intentioal. Overall "The Harrowing" is a killer movie. The special effects are stellar, both CGI and practical. I felt like I was watching a true modern giallo, with all the blood and gore a horror fan could want for. The creature design, what time it is on screen is awesome, I wanted more of it. Definitely check this one out.

This low budget twisted thriller had some great acting by Matthew Tompkins (lead actor) but even his acting chops couldn't bring this one out of the sloppy script. The premise is original enough and redone with a new script and a bit more money thrown at it, it could become one of the greats. It's lacking in good CGI's and the "demons" leave a lot to be desired as for being frightening. It's worth a watch just for the acting and originality.

Vice detective Ryan Calhoun (Matthew Tompkins, Sicario) is one of the best cops on the force. But after his partner is ritualistically murdered, his need to discover the truth takes over his life, sending home to a hospital that becomes his own private hell. Even worse, Calhoun is suspected of the murder. Going undercover in a mental hospital, he tries to keep himself sane while remembering his life - he's married, he's a good cop and demons can't be real. He learns that nothing is - or isn't - the way he believes it is. Yes, that sentence is confusing but so is the life our hero is about to plunge himself into. The Harrowing has some star power, with Arnold Vosloo from the Mummy films and Michael Ironside. I really liked the film's look and how it gets progressively grimier and weirder as we get closer to the inevitable conclusion. It's very Shutter Island but that isn't a bad thing. I mean, that movie didn't have demons with branches and blood spraying out of their heads.