Ascent to Hell

Ascent to Hell is a 2014 horror movie directed by Dena Hysell-Cornejo, starring Azura Skye, Cayleb Long and Bill Sage. The movie is set in an old, isolated building located at the top of a mountain. The main character, Kate (Azura Skye), is a struggling chef, who takes a job as a caretaker at this remote place to make ends meet. She arrives at the building with her boyfriend, Paul (Cayleb Long), and they soon realize that this place is not exactly what they expected.

The building is run-down and eerie, and the only other occupants are a group of eccentric artists who have been granted access to the building. Among them is the charismatic Vincent (Bill Sage), who soon takes an interest in Kate. However, as the days pass, strange things start happening in the building. Kate starts experiencing terrifying visions, and she realizes that the building has a dark history.

Ascent to Hell has all the classic tropes of horror movies: a creepy setting, a group of strange characters, and a supernatural presence that seems to be haunting the building. However, what sets this movie apart is the strong performances of the actors. Azura Skye delivers a convincing performance as Kate, struggling with her own inner demons while trying to figure out what is happening in the building. Cayleb Long is equally good as Paul, the supportive boyfriend who wants to help Kate but is also scared by the strange occurrences. Bill Sage is excellent as Vincent, the charming and mysterious artist who seems to know more than he is letting on.

The movie is well-paced, building up the tension slowly but surely. The first half of the movie is devoted to setting up the characters and the situation, while the second half is all about the horror. The scares are effectively delivered, and the climax is suitably terrifying.

What makes Ascent to Hell interesting is the way it deals with the idea of mental illness. The movie suggests that the supernatural occurrences might be a result of Kate's own struggles with mental health. The visions she has might be a manifestation of her own demons, and the other characters might be part of her subconscious. This subtext adds a layer of depth to the movie, elevating it beyond the usual horror fare.

Ascent to Hell also has a strong visual style. The building is a character in itself, with its dark, foreboding corridors and creaky staircases. The cinematography is evocative, capturing the sense of isolation and dread that permeates the building. The music is also effective, adding to the sense of unease.

Overall, Ascent to Hell is a well-crafted horror movie that delivers on its promise of scares. The strong performances, effective pacing, and interesting subtext make it a cut above the average horror movie. Fans of the genre will find plenty to enjoy in this creepy, atmospheric movie.