Larry W
I’ve got to admit, it totally surprised me. The acting was spot-on—natural, believable, and just what you want from an indie film. The camera work, especially the moving shots, was really well done too.
Loved the nod to “The Shining” with the guy in the hat selling the house. It was done with style.
The relationship between the two main characters, which goes really dark, was handled excellently. The performances were realistic and didn’t feel forced or amateur. The final “add-on” ending gives us a little extra to chew on. Hats off to everyone involved.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
09/07/24
Full Review
Victoria V
This was a very competently made film, great camerawork, nice score. The acting wasn't stellar, but it wasn't so terrible it took you out of the story or anything like that. The leads did a solid job. I felt the director succeeded in building tension and mystery and the film had nice pacing, no dragging here, which can happen so easily in so many contained films. I think they did a good job keeping the tension and keeping the story moving. I would consider it more psychological thriller than horror film. It is an indie, so as long as you watch it with that in mind, if you're a fan of thrillers and mysteries, especially stuff with a psychological bend, I think you will enjoy!!!
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
08/07/24
Full Review
Michael G
"The Luring" is a horror film that cleverly proves you don’t need a mansion to hide your skeletons — just a creepy family vacation home in Vermont. Directed by Christopher Wells, the movie follows Rick Irwin's character, Garrett, as he unlocks childhood memories through scenes reminiscent of the 'It' movies. The eerie cinematography and unsettling narrative, make you wonder if you left the stove on or if it's just the ghosts messing with you. With its twisty plot and unpredictable scares, "The Luring" is a psychological and disturbing ride that’s as unsettling as finding out your house has a basement you never knew about. If you liked the 'It' movies, be sure to check this film out... just don't follow any red balloons being pulled into dark spaces.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
07/24/24
Full Review
Karl S
I really enjoyed watching this film...and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. To me it rose above most other DIY non-celebrity indy films I've watched and reviewed here, and believe me I've watched quite a few. I had actually told myself I wasn't going to do this anymore. What shocked me most was that, after watching the film but before writing this review, I read some of the really bad reviews posted. I don't know who these folks are, nor do I care, but quite frankly I don't understand the bad reactions. BUT, it seems to happen a lot, including to me on my own indy feature film, which, while not a master piece, I think is reasonably competent. As an indy filmmaker myself, I know how hard it is to make even a REASONABLY competent film, so I think I am a pretty good judge of competent filmmaking. First off on THIS film, the acting, almost entirely throughout, was truthful, natural, believable non-acting acting. That is usually the WORST part of films like this. I also felt the camera work, especially the moving following shots were very well done. As for borrowing from other films, a lot of good ones do and I actually enjoyed the obvious similarity between the "guy in the hat" Garrett meets, who was obviously the same guy selling the house in the beginning, with "The Butler" who talks to Jack Nicholson in "The Shining", because it was done well. So what if it was inspired or borrowed! Most good filmmakers do it, and, if done well, it works. I also felt the clearly dysfunctional relationship between the two main characters which of course goes REALLY dark, was well handled by both the director and the actors. Again, natural, realistic performances that didn't feel forced or amateur. Wasn't sure the film needed the final sort of "add on" ending but gave you a little something extra to think about. Again, hats off to all involved and I STRONGLY advise ignoring the snarky bad reviews and watch the film yourself!
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
07/21/24
Full Review
Michael R
I'm a total fan of The Luring!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
07/09/24
Full Review
Patrick W
This is an eerie and unsettling horror mystery that is more about slow build-up of tension and revealed secrets than gory, slasher action. The Vermont countryside setting reminded me of Stephen King stories but the director adds a touch of the surreal to create this off-kilter atmosphere where tragedy has unfolded in the past. You never know what's going to happen next and you fear that it's probably not good for the characters. There's a story of revenge motivating some characters but there's also the presence of a basic evil that lurks within our natures. This just adds to the creepiness of the dark story. It is this tragic aspect of horror that stays with you from this film.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
07/01/24
Full Review
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