Post by sin on Jul 20, 2009 12:02:50 GMT -6
Synopsis, courtesy of IMDb
"Insane asylums, shallow graves and magick of the blackest kind. Maelstrom Productions' newest project is an updated but faithful adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's "The Thing on the Doorstep". Stephen King describes Lovecraft as "The 20th century horror story's dark and baroque prince". Shot entirely on Digital Video, the film promises to satisfy fans of Lovecraft and the genre itself."
J.D. Lloyd ... Detective
Jerry Lloyd ... Robert R. Black
Jamie Morgan ... Doctor
Erick Robertson Edward
Oliver Spencer ... Dan
Beth Zumann ... Asenath
Director: Eric Morgret
Writers: H.P. Lovecraft (short story), K.L. Young (writer)
Review:
I thought it was a fairly decent adaptation of the Lovecraft Tale.
Asenath, arrives at Miskatonic University from Innsmouth. This alone should give the viewer a cue. She challenges her professors ideas about the old religions, specifically the Esoteric Order of Dagon, every step of the way.
All she needs is Edward, a fellow student; whose parents were murdered under mysterious circumstances. But why Edward?
Quickly she moves in for the seduction, using her 'father's' methods of hypnosis as the lure. They exchange bodies, Edward seeing out of Asenath's eyes and she out of Edwards.
Not long after their encounter are they quickly wed. Asenath keeps Edward from his close associates, keeping him prisoner by mind, body and soul.
A psychological thriller, often visiting alternate realities. Is it a dream? Is it real? Who are these messengers that wait in this realm to warn Edward and the professor?
Battles on each plane, but what battle are they fighting? As the story unravels it is revealed that unless they can defeat Asenath, the old ones will come through - Asenath is the gateway - serving Yog-Sothoth.
The acting was a bit lacking, but it does bring the story into you by having a live-actor performance of the tale. Even if it was a low-budget film. Don't expect a blockbuster, with powerful performances.
I'd give it 2 thumbs up.