A Wakefield Project

A Wakefield Project, released in 2019, is a thrilling dive into the world of suspense, supernatural phenomenon, and horror that catapults viewers into a gripping tale, balanced precariously on the edge of reality and the inexplicable. With a talented cast comprising Lindsay Seim, Dennis Andres, and Anthony Bewlz, the movie artfully stirs together and presents a chilling cocktail of mystery, mayhem and incessant dread that keeps its audience in a tight, tooth-grinding clench throughout its runtime.

Directed by L.A. Lopes, A Wakefield Project instantly hooks its viewers, painting a world where dreams and reality intermingle and simmer in a haunting concoction of ghostly encounters. The storyline weaves together elements of supernatural horror and psychological thriller to deliver in its wake a heart-stopping narrative that's both intricately complex and deeply unnerving.

The story comes to life through the characters of Eric (Dennis Andres) and Reese (Anthony Bewlz), two entrepreneurial friends who take on the considerable challenge of renovating an old inn located in the bucolic town of Wakefield. Eric's girlfriend, Lindsay (Lindsay Seim), adds another layer to this narrative, her skepticism towards the paranormal taking a turn as the chilling events unfold.

Despite their good intentions, the duo begins to notice strange occurrences at the property, beginning with eerie, inexplicable dreams. This marks the beginning of a series of frightful incidents as the inn and the town of Wakefield, underneath its serene facade, slowly reveals its eerie spine as a civic space pervaded by strange, supernatural phenomena. Every day's progress in the renovation project seems to unsettle or 'awaken' the paranormal force residing in the inn, stirring it out of its slumber.

Sculpted by cinematographer Michael Jari Davidson, the visuals of A Wakefield Project are loaded with an unnerving sense of dread, creating an atmosphere that amplifies the terror multiple folds and enhances the horror of the plot. The film makes smart use of lighting to underscore the eerie presence lurking in the shadows of the quaint town, creating an ominous environment that lingers even after the movie is over.

What sets A Wakefield Project apart from other horror flicks on the screen is how it deftly handles and represents the genre's key elements. The supernatural aspects are carefully paced, gradually intensifying the fear as the film continues. It does not rely solely on shock and jump scares; instead, it weaves an elaborate web of suspense and dread that ensures audiences remain on tenterhooks.

Meanwhile, the psychological aspect of the movie, seen through the characters attempting to rationalize the unexplainable happenings, adds another layer to the terror. The performances by the leading cast enhance this element, making the experience all the more immersive. Andreas, Bewlz, and Seim deliver compelling performances, embodying the fear, confusion, and desperation characteristic of their roles.

Strong lead performances, compelling visuals, and tailored screenplay are further underlined by a haunting score, composed by João França, which helps maintain the chilling ambiance throughout the film. The blend of catchy tracks and spine-chilling sound effects significantly contributes to that prevailing sense of dread that elevates the plot's mystery.

In essence, A Wakefield Project is an atmospheric horror thriller that not only delivers a fair share of scares but also dives into the human psyche's attempt to rationalize the supernatural. The film succeeds in creating a gripping story through its intertwining of reality and the supernatural, retaining throughout a sense of suspense that keeps the audience guessing. The visually enticing direction, backed by commendable performances, meticulously composed musical scores, and a well-written script, make A Wakefield Project a must-watch for fans of horror and suspense.