Chewing to the Stubs with Nailbiter: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a screener of this film was provided by director Patrick Rea.

Director: Patrick Rea.

Writers: Patrick Rea, and Kendal Sinn.

Cast: Joicie Appell, Emily Boresow and Jason Coffman

Nailbiter is the latest indie film production to be developed by SenoReality Pictures. SenoReality is a production company created by director Patrick Rea and partner Ryan Jones. This film production company generally focuses on horror shorts with Nailbiter this company's second full feature. This film is this reviewer's first exposure to SenoReality's style of filmmaking and the wait has been worth it. Nailbiter is a production that, while indie, manages to develop a terrifying story. That story shows some influences from the later "Twilight Zone" (1985) television series, "Outer Limits" (1995) and perhaps even the more recent "X-Files" (1993). There is something bizarre and foreboding in that approaching tornado!

And the Maguire family must seek shelter before it touches down. Unfortunately, they choose the wrong house to seek shelter. Alice (Emily Boresow), Janet (Erin McGrane), Jennifer (Meg Saricks) and Sally (Sally Spurgeon) become trapped in a dank attic when a tree falls across their only escape. The residents in the house above make their exit even more challenging by boarding them in. Then, creatures emerge from the darkness.

It would be a shame to spoil the monster's intentions and abilities. Suffice it to say, the Maguires have more on their hands than old furniture and clothing in their dark hiding place. There is something close by that needs to feed.

This reviewer was glad he was not sharing that space with the Maguires. However, even from a distance, the tragedy on the screen has an affect. That affect will be fear for some, excitement for others and perhaps even some anger in the final scenes. This is horror after all where a film's story is most likely destined for doom rather than a happy ending.

Before the film exits, though, there are a number of film elements worth mentioning. Julian Bickford's original score is professionally built. Light initially, the tracks become ever more frenetic and dire as the horror unfolds. The film crew shows competence across the board. Patrick Rea's direction is not limited to a few differing interior shots. Instead, Rea experiments with night shoots, exterior shots, tracking shots and even a few action scenes. The result is a balance between showing the Maguires in their limited setting and the town of Clinton where trouble lurks around every corner.

That tension and a few other surprises are the best part of Nailbiter. The tension builds from the first few scenes and increases in power as more and more antagonists are introduced. The final act needs to be seen to be believed as the writing team adds in even more challenges for the Maguires. The last few scenes should be kept in mystery, but a few questions remain. What will happen next? And, what is the fate of the Maguires? The answers to these questions is dependent on the viewer; yet, the final few scenes leave Nailbiter open to a sequel, or a few afterthoughts. This reviewer is one who would like to see more of this story and its characters.

Whether this film finds a follow-up is reliant on viewers. And viewers are encouraged to see this film as Nailbiter haunts screens across the United States. Showings for this feature include a stop at the Fright Night Film Festival (June 29th), the Action on Film International Film Festival (August 17th) and the San Antonio Horrific Film Festival (August 23rd). Horror fans in these areas really should set out to see this film on the big screen. The impact of Nailbiter is best experienced with a crowd where a scream or two is sure to be heard.

Overall: 8 out of 10 (one of the best indies to be seen this year, great writing, believable emotion, a great twist and a suitable open ending.

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Posted in: 2012,creature feature,creature feature movie review,independent,independent horror movie review,indie,movie review,preview