"Blackwell Ghost 7" surprised audiences with its unexpected release, coming shortly after the sixth installment and just in time for Halloween. Directed by Turner Clay, the movie ventures into new territory, departing from his typical template. However, it seems that some fans were disappointed, as it lacked the previous installment's fun speculation about the reality of the Blackwell Ghost. Despite this, the film has its moments and remains an intriguing watch for those invested in the series.
The story picks up where "Blackwell Ghost 6" left off, with Turner Clay still grieving his deceased wife. The Lightfoot house, where he resides, appears to have ceased its ghostly activity, leaving a semblance of normalcy. Yet, as expected, trouble rears its head again. A text from officer Ramey, who previously investigated the Lightfoot murders, sets off a chain of events. A local girl's disappearance in Florida is linked to a note with a photo of Ruth Blackwell and the words "want to play" underneath. The same printout had been sent to Turner over a year ago. With eerie packages and cryptic communications, Turner is once again thrust into a chilling investigation.
However, "Blackwell Ghost 7" takes a different direction from its predecessors, placing less emphasis on the supernatural elements that added to the series' spooky atmosphere. The movie leans more towards a realistic investigation with some supernatural occurrences thrown in for good measure. This shift makes the film feel more akin to the true crime genre than a traditional horror flick.
One aspect that made the series enjoyable was watching Turner set up cameras and employ various devices to track ghostly activity. Unfortunately, these scenes are scarce in "Blackwell Ghost 7," as the focus shifts to Turner's internal monologues and complaints. While Turner Clay's portrayal of the protagonist remains compelling, his constant discontent dampens the overall narrative.
Visually, the film lacks the surreal and otherworldly appeal of previous installments, with the Lightfoot house losing its distinct atmosphere due to flooding damage. The absence of carefully set-up cameras tracking ghostly happenings also diminishes the eerie factor.
Additionally, the way some clues from the previous film are retconned in "Blackwell Ghost 7" changes their implications, making the storyline less engaging. The forced ties to the Lightfoot serial killer investigation also lead to a less compelling narrative. Turner's attempt to elicit emotions by referencing his deceased wife feels like an afterthought and fails to evoke the same sentimentality as in earlier films.
Overall, "Blackwell Ghost 7" ventures into new territory, and while it has its moments, it departs from the spine-tingling ghost story that defined the series. The lack of supernatural elements and a less captivating narrative may disappoint some fans. Despite this, the film maintains Turner Clay's distinctive style and still offers a unique perspective on the story. As the series moves forward, it remains to be seen whether it can recapture the allure of its early installments.
The Blackwell Ghost 7 (2023) - info
- Release date: October 28, 2022
- Genre: Horror
- Director: Turner Clay
- Writer: Turner Clay
- Stars: Turner Clay