There's then the 'Cabin In The Woods' way, which takes the 'Evil Dead 2' route but part way through going in a completely new direction and well, I don't want to spoil that for you just in case.
The final 2 ways are the simple ways of either making a standard shitty cabin in the woods film with a predictable plot, in the middle characters, and a bit of supernatural.
Well 'The Invoking' has done it the way I haven't mentioned.
We start with Sam and her friends going to a cabin/house which she has recently inherited from a deceased relative. No it isn't to get wasted and party all the time, stripping by the lake and being stabbed in the back by a guy in a hockey mask. (Friday the 13th isn't really a cabin in the woods movie though, more of a camp in the middle of the woods, but I digress)
But instead just to basically examine the place and find out more about her family history.
This is where I normally say, but of course shit hits the fan.
I would say it here, which is true, but I'd be kind of lying too.
There is no shit. Only fan.
And that fan blows strongly.
Sam starts having nightmares and nightmarish visions related to her family's hidden past.
And they get worse. And worse. And we watch a young woman slowly drift into insanity.
Just a group of people who slowly fall apart as friendships divide and a girl sees more strange things happening.
Throughout I had the feel of 'Lovely Molly' except without the whole demon/ghost angle.
The Invoking's characters are unpainfully real at times.
Including one who actually turns around and tells everything as it is, that he's more scared of bears and other real life shit in the woods and not silly made up things.
But then the dialogue can be a problem at times, as some lines don't feel genuine.
Other than that, the actors fit their roles perfectly, and feel like if you met them in real life, they'd actually be like their onscreen counterparts.
That's not always a good thing though I guess, like when you're playing a creepy guy that seems a little too creepy at times.
Other than the obvious, the film does feel like it could actually happen.
There's no monsters or serial killers, no werewolves or vampires.
Just a group of people who slowly fall apart as friendships divide and a girl sees more strange things happening.
Throughout I had the feel of 'Lovely Molly' except without the whole demon/ghost angle.
I think the only real problem with the film is that it's pretty damn dark at times. Not that it matters, as you'll probably muss something anyway. It's definitely a film which you'll have to watch a couple of times to fully understand every little thing that's happened and is going on.
But to be honest, it is easy to understand if you think about it. Or think you understand it anyway....
If you're looking for a full on horror film, you'll be disappointed.
It's more of a psychological horror. Some people will no doubt be disappointed in it, but for those who will enjoy it?
They'll REALLY enjoy it.
The Invoking is an extremely slow burner, but it's worth it for the story and to get to the ending.
Now how about the special features:
- Director Commentary
- Actor Commentary - I'm yet to watch it with either commentary but shall be doing soon. Even if I had already watched I wouldn't be giving you any secrets they've said.
- The Road To Sader Ridge, Making The Invoking - This is a true making of documentary hitting at an hour and ten minutes. It goes through a lot of different stuff in making. From writing and progressing the story, to how they would like the characters to feel, to the final product and everything in between.
- Production Photos - a minute long slideshow of some stunning shots.
The film in my eyes deserves a well earned
8/10.