"Ghost Town" takes audiences on a chilling journey into a boomtown turned ghostly nightmare. This offbeat western horror, directed and written by Owen Conway, weaves a haunting tale that blurs the lines between the living and the dead.
The film introduces us to Solomon, portrayed by Owen Conway himself, a desperate drifter seeking refuge in the desolate town. With his horse dead, pockets empty, and gun missing, he accepts a job at the local saloon and brothel, owned by the enigmatic Hagan, played by Robert Sprayberry. Almost immediately, Solomon finds himself embroiled in a deadly altercation, and the unsettling occurrences only escalate from there.
As Solomon starts to experience eerie sights and sounds, including a haunting growl outside his door at night and bizarre visions, the town's sinister secrets come to light. Conway's directorial debut proves to be a calculated and restrained effort, wisely staying within budgetary limitations while creating an ominous atmosphere through subtle effects and clever dialogue.
The film's small cast is led by Owen Conway, who delivers a compelling performance as the troubled drifter. He skillfully navigates his character's journey through the town's macabre events. Among the supporting cast, Eva Hamilton stands out as Kate, a prostitute with a mysterious hostility towards Solomon, while Stephen Moran portrays Benjamin, contributing to the eerie ambiance.
"Ghost Town" effectively builds tension with its eerie setting and eerie happenings, leaving no doubt that something unnatural lurks within the town's desolate streets. As the story progresses, the film embraces its horror roots with a final act filled with twisted imagery and the arrival of a preacher, played by Dan Higgins, reminiscent of an H.P. Lovecraft creation.
While the practical and CGI effects successfully bring the ghostly apparitions to life, the film's fire scenes fall short of delivering the desired impact. The movie wisely chooses restraint over excessive gore, limiting its bloodier moments to a quick, yet effective shot towards the end.
However, "Ghost Town" stumbles in its final act, sacrificing some of its earlier promise in favor of over-the-top horror elements. The plot and logic take a back seat, leading to a conclusion that leaves room for both rational and supernatural interpretations, making the film's resolution a point of contention for viewers.
Despite its minor flaws, "Ghost Town" remains an intriguing and unique cinematic experience. Owen Conway showcases potential as a director, leaving audiences eager to see how his career unfolds. While the film loses some of its grip towards the end, it remains a captivating western horror that will intrigue fans of the genre.
Ghost Town (2023) - info
- Release date: 7 March 2023
- Genre: Thriller, Western
- Director: Owen Conway
- Writer: Owen Conway
- Stars: Owen Conway, Robert Sprayberry, Eva Hamilton