Bethany

Bethany is a 2017 horror film directed by James Cullen Bressack and co-written by Bressack and Zack Ward, who also stars in the film alongside Stefanie Estes and Tom Green. The film tells the story of a woman named Claire and her husband, Aaron, who move back into Claire's childhood home, where she suffered abuse at the hands of her mentally unstable mother, Louise, before she died. As Claire tries to start a new life and heal from her traumas, she begins to experience unexplainable events that suggest her mother's ghost may still be present in the house.

As the film opens, we see Claire and Aaron, who is a counselor, moving back into her childhood home. Claire is excited about the opportunity to start fresh and make new memories, but Aaron is skeptical about the choice to move into a place with such a dark history. Despite his concerns, they begin to settle in and try to make the house their own. However, strange things quickly start happening, such as doors opening and closing on their own, and Claire begins to have vivid nightmares about her mother.

Claire's situation is made even more complicated by the fact that Louise's former nurse, Mrs. Stockton, is still living in the house. Mrs. Stockton is often seen making cryptic comments and behaving oddly, which further adds to the eerie atmosphere of the film.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Claire is not alone in her experiences. Her old friend from school, Jocelyn, comes to visit and reveals that she used to hear strange noises and experience paranormal activity when she would stay over at Claire's house as a child. The two women begin to investigate the possibility that Louise's ghost is still haunting the house, and they uncover a series of disturbing secrets that suggest their suspicions may be true.

One of the things that makes Bethany unique is its focus on a female protagonist navigating her traumatic past. Claire is a complex character whose experiences have left her with deep emotional scars, and the film does a good job of exploring her struggles with PTSD and how they relate to the supernatural events she is experiencing. Estes delivers a convincing performance as Claire, and her character's journey provides a human element that grounds the story in reality.

The film also benefits from strong supporting performances by Ward and Green. Ward plays Claire's husband, Aaron, who is torn between wanting to help his wife and struggling to come to terms with the reality of the situation. Green, who is primarily known for his comedic roles, delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance as Dr. Brown, a psychiatrist who starts treating Claire after she begins having hallucinations. Brown's character is an interesting addition to the story, and Green plays him with a subtle intensity that makes him a compelling presence on screen.

Visually, the film has a distinct style that sets it apart from other horror movies. The color palette is muted and washed out, which gives the film a bleak, somber tone. The cinematography is also notable, with a lot of tight close-ups that help convey the characters' emotions and a few creative shots that add visual interest.

Overall, Bethany is a well-made horror film that offers a fresh perspective on some familiar tropes. The story is engrossing, thanks to its strong performances and well-crafted suspense, and the film manages to be both scary and emotionally resonant. Whether you're a horror fan or just looking for a good thriller, Bethany is definitely worth a watch.