Barricade

Barricade is a suspenseful horror movie from 2012, directed by Andrew Currie, and starring Eric McCormack, Jody Thompson, and Conner Dwelly. The movie follows the story of a father, Terrence Shade (Eric McCormack), who decides to take his two daughters on a trip to a remote cabin in the woods, following the death of their mother.

The movie starts with Terrence driving through the icy, snowy roads, with his daughters Cynthia (Conner Dwelly) and Miranda (Ryan Grantham). The family seems to have a complicated past, with Terrence being detached from his daughters and drowning his sorrows in alcohol. After a tiresome, long drive, the family reaches the cabin, which seems to be desolate and abandoned.

As they settle into the cabin, with Terrence making efforts to bond with his daughters, strange, inexplicable events start to occur. Soon, the family realizes that they are not alone in the cabin and that there is an evil presence that is stalking them. As they barricade themselves inside the cabin, trying to survive, they start to unravel the mystery of what is happening around them.

The horror movie strikes a balance between psychological and supernatural scares. As the isolation and fear start to take the family's toll, their grip on reality starts to slip, and they question their own sanity. The movie takes us on a journey of mystery as the audience tries to figure out what is happening and why.

Eric McCormack delivers a solid performance as the troubled father, Terrence, who is struggling to connect with his daughters while dealing with his own internal demons. He effectively portrays the character's journey from being distant and aloof to being fiercely protective of his daughters. Jody Thompson's portrayal of Rachel, a mysterious woman that the family encounters in the woods, adds another layer of intrigue to the story.

The movie's cinematography is another high point, with the Canadian wilderness being presented in a cold, eerie light. The cabin's interiors are dark, claustrophobic, and haunting, adding to the movie's overall atmosphere of fear and dread.

Barricade's plot may not be original, but the movie is well crafted, with twists and turns that keep the audience engaged and guessing till the end. The movie's pacing is also effective, as the fear escalates gradually, rather than relying on cheap jump scares.

The movie's soundtrack is another highlight, with an ominous, spine-tingling score that adds to the overall sense of unease. The use of silence, too, is masterful, as it creates an almost unbearable tension, elevating even the quietest of moments.

In conclusion, Barricade is a well-made horror movie that delivers on its promise of scares and suspense. The movie is engaging, well-acted, and well-shot, with a suitably eerie atmosphere that will leave you with a feeling of unease long after the credits roll. If you're a fan of horror movies that rely on psychological thrills, rather than cheap jump scares, then Barricade is definitely worth your time.