"Wild Bones," written and directed by Jack James, offers a chilling and dread-filled experience, immersing viewers in an unsettling atmosphere. The film follows Fay (Roxy Bugler) and her stepsister Alice (Mary Roubos) as they reconnect after their father's mysterious disappearance and inherit his house. Fay's grasp on reality and memory begins to slip, adding to the eerie ambiance of the story.
As Fay becomes entangled with Gary (Tom Cray), the man with whom Alice arrived at their father's home, the mysteries deepen, leaving viewers with more questions than answers due to Fay's unreliable psychological state. Bugler delivers a superb performance as the disturbed Fay, while her chemistry with Roubos creates marvelously realistic sibling dynamics.
James infuses "Wild Bones" with haunting visuals and a tone that seamlessly shifts between deadly serious drama and eerie surreal sequences. The film carries a distinct gothic flavor, heightened by the gripping sound design that adds to its mystique. For those who appreciate slow-burn and ambiguous fear, "Wild Bones" is sure to captivate, building up to a powerful finale.
In "Ghostwritten," set in Massachusetts, the film follows Guy Laury (Jay Duplass), a one-hit novelist struggling to produce a successful follow-up after eight years. Sponsored by his publisher, Guy retreats to an isolated house on the coast to find inspiration for his next work. Living nearby is a successful author named Martin (Thomas Jay Ryan), whose initial cordiality towards Guy begins to wane.
As Guy begins to hear and see strange things in the house, he delves into the possibility of the place being haunted. Battling writer's block, Guy becomes determined to uncover the truth about ghosts and their connection to his current abode. Shot predominantly in black-and-white, "Ghostwritten" boasts a top-notch cast, delivering fine performances in this effective and mysterious chiller. Writer/director Thomas Matthews crafts a compelling cinematic exploration of the uncanny and the diabolical.
Both "Wild Bones" and "Ghostwritten" offer distinct and chilling experiences, appealing to those who relish the enigmatic and unsettling aspects of the thriller genre. With haunting atmospheres and captivating performances, these films leave audiences pondering the blurred lines between reality and the unknown.
Wild Bones (2022) - info
- Release date: 29 April 2023
- Genre: Horror, Mystery
- Director: Jack James
- Writer: Jack James
- Stars: Mary Roubos, Roxy Bugler, Tom Cray