Nothing Scary Lies Under the Bed: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was provided by XLrator Media.

Director: Steven C. Miller.

Writer: Eric Stolze.

Cast: Jonny Weston, Gattlin Griffith, Peter Holden, Musetta Vander, and Kelcie Stranahan.

This film fan has seen each of Steven C. Miller's films. From the zombie flick Automaton Transfusion (2006) to the witchy Scream of the Banshee (2011), Miller's horror films have been varied, especially in quality. His latest is a creature feature titled Under the Bed. This film was developed from Eric Stolze's (I Heart Shakey) script. And, this film is underdeveloped on several levels. Filmed over the course of twelve days, with a minuscule budget, Under the Bed offers very little in the form of a cohesive story and any sense of a creature mythology.

This viewer was surprised at how easily the plot for this film could be summed up. Basically, two brothers fight off a creature, which lives under their bed. This is as complex as the story gets and this tale does not bring about enough complexity to keep the film interesting, nor exciting.

The red-headed stepchild of the feature.

The film almost completely forgets about the creature, as well. The villain is given no set-up. Instead, the monster pops up from behind a washer or dryer, or shakes a few furnishings here or there. These scenes offer very little tension. Also, the creature's origins are not given enough attention. Where did the creature come from? Why are children, in general, scared of monsters, from under their beds, since time immemorial? And, what are the creatures weaknesses (outside of light) and motivations? The answer to these questions are left up to the viewer. Though, there is not enough of a backstory to even consider developing presumptions on the creature and its purpose. Under the Bed lacks a suitable creature mythology.

Under the Bed is, unfortunately, a lackluster production. There are several problems with the film. The lack of story has been mentioned. As well, the music tries to amplify tension on the screen, but events are not frenetic enough to warrant the high tempo. The film lacks an important element, which is necessary for a horror film. There are few scares. Also, the first two acts of the film offer little conflict. The creature does appear in the climax, to decapitate a couple of characters. But, what of the earlier sixty minutes? These earlier acts are slowly paced and lacking in excitement. And, a horror film should be exciting; this one is mostly a poorly plotted and mundane outing.

Under the Bed is not recommended for the majority of horror fans. The story is underdeveloped and so is the creature's backstory. Financial hamperings seemed to have hamstrung this film from the get-go and it is a wonder to imagine what this film could have been, with a larger financial investment. As it is, a watching of Under the Stairs is time poorly spent.

Editing/pacing: 4.5.
Plot/story/closure: 5.5.
Characters/action/conflict: 6.

Overall: 5.75 out of 10 (the film hardly holds the attention).

*Miller's Scream of the Banshee (2011) and The Aggression Scale (2012) are much better than this film.

A trailer for the film is here:

Under the Bed at 28DLA


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Posted in: children,creature feature,horror,horror movie preview,movie,movie review,review,steven c. miller