The Shade (2023) | Review
The Shade kicks off with a prologue that’s more eye-catching than a neon sign in a pitch-black room. We’ve got a midnight cemetery trip, a drunk dad with a deadly weapon, and some creepy figures emerging from the woods like they’re auditioning for a Swedish black metal music video.
Our protagonist, Ryan Beckman, is your average 20-something pothead with a side of tattoo artistry and a generous helping of pizza delivery skills. What’s more, he’s also got extra toppings of anxiety that makes your average millennial look like a zen master. I guess you could says that poor Ryan’s got more on his plate than a competitive eater at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Ryan’s not just dealing with the usual struggles of a young adult, like figuring out how to grow up or deciphering the enigma of a washing machine—this guy’s got a full-on haunting going on. But is it supernatural, psychological, or just really bad indigestion from all that delivery pizza? Ryan has a little brother, James, who he takes care of while Mom pulls the night shift at the hospital. Then there’s the older brother, Jason, who comes home from college looking like he’s been through a zombie apocalypse and a nu-metal phase simultaneously.
Enter the Harpy, a ghoulish apparition that looks like she took fashion tips from Marilyn Manson and makeup advice from a corpse. This skeletal sass queen is serving up night terrors that’ll definitely leave a mark. Charlotte Stickles, the actress behind this bony banshee, deserves a round of applause and maybe some calcium supplements for her bone-chilling performance.
As the story unfolds, we’re treated to a smorgasbord of tried-and-true horror tropes. Is Ryan losing his marbles? Or is there really something sinister lurking in the shadows (besides his brother’s unwashed laundry)? The beauty of The Shade is that it keeps you guessing about all these questions and more.
Director Tyler Chipman, teaming up with writer David Purdy, has crafted a ghost story that’s tight even within The Shade’s two-hour runtime. The cinematography is exceptionally compelling, encouraging viewers to scrutinize every corner of the frame for potential clues or threats. The film’s visual composition expertly utilizes common horror elements like creaking doors and shadowy closets, transforming them into highly effective vehicles for suspense and startling moments. These well-crafted scenes are likely to elicit strong reactions from the audience, keeping them on edge throughout the film.
Chris Galust’s performance as Ryan is so engaging that you’ll be rooting for him throughout. His fear and panic are more palpable than the smell of burnt popcorn in a movie theater. The entire cast brings their A-game, creating a complex and watchable family dynamic.
What really sets The Shade apart from other horror flicks out for this Halloween season is its exploration of mental health and generational trauma. It’s like someone took a psychology textbook, doused it in fake blood, and turned it into a movie. The result is a horror experience that’ll have you contemplating your own inner demons while simultaneously checking for monsters under the bed. Having said that, it is more of a drama, so you need to know that going in… the horror is more metaphorical than actual.
Note: The Shade is dated 2023 but it was released in limited theaters on September 20, 2024
