Cover The Mirrors

"Cover The Mirrors" is an intense and gripping supernatural horror story that captivates audiences from beginning to end. The film was released in 2020, featuring not-so-known but talented cast, including Normeka Ageous, Genevieve Alleyne, and Patrick Cox. The film's eerie atmosphere and suspenseful storyline keep audiences on the edge of their seats, demanding their full attention from the opening scene to the haunting climax.

The storyline revolves around a young and ambitious woman named Erin (portrayed by Normeka Ageous), who is trapped between her dream to climb the corporate ladder and her longing to return home and take care of her family. Erin’s life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself pulled back into her past following the death of her estranged aunt, Vonda (played by Genevieve Alleyne), who was known for her eeriness, isolation, and bizarre activities.

In order to settle her late aunt's estate, Erin, the dedicated city girl, finds herself genuinely consumed in something she had always disregarded - the supernatural world that her aunt was known to indulge in. This supernatural force derives right from African traditions, which lay the foundation of her aunt Vonda’s unusual lifestyle.

Erin is forced to reconcile her logical sensibilities with local legends and deeply ingrained superstitions from her childhood as she navigates her way around this unfamiliar journey. This swiftly transforms from an administrative errand into an intense personal journey.

Patrick Cox adds another layer of complication in his role as a strain to Erin's psychological state, adding to the already-pressing circumstances at hand. His antagonistic role in the movie adds depth to the narrative and a perfect foil to Erin’s character.

Directed and co-written by Aaron J. Davis, the movie manages to expertly weave elements of thriller, horror, and supernatural mystery to create a cohesive narrative. While retaining traditional themes and motifs from African-American folklore, it showcases the dialectical tension between the contemporary and the past, the known and the unknown, the logical and the supernatural, and the real and the imaginary.

The film is successful in weaving an intricate tale of a supernatural journey set against the backdrop of gritty reality. Davis threads the melancholic vibe of death and bereavement with the eeriness of an unresolved, haunted past, creating a chilling ambiance that may well be its primary strength.

Moreover, Davis uses the landscapes of the city, the small town, and the hundreds-year-old ancestral house to create a potent mixture of complex emotions, the gothic small-town vibe inducing a chilling, atmospheric quality that permeates the film.

Davis expertly weaves the major themes of death, grief, family ties, and forgotten superstitions into a frighteningly engaging narrative. Thus, the film's horror isn't merely limited to visual stimuli but digs deeper, exploring the haunting notions of regret, dissociation, loss, and a looming supernatural presence that continuously remind us of historical cultures and traditions.

A haunting score and remarkable sound design perfectly complement the film's visuals, further elevating the suspenseful atmosphere. Skillful cinematography with its carefully curated frames and spectral lighting effects add depth and weight to the story, making the visuals as engaging and thrilling as the narrative itself.

Given the dramatic themes and uncanny on-screen manifestations, all principal actors deliver impressive performances that beautifully echo the eerie essence of the film. Ageous, with her subtle yet expressive acting, does a noted job as the film's lead.

In summary, "Cover The Mirrors" is a chilling supernatural horror film that skillfully combines elements of traditional folklore and contemporary narrative trends. It stays with the audience well beyond the end credits, provoking thought and discussion. This film makes for an exciting watch for those interested in a deep, psychologically-tinged horror experience. It leaves audiences yearning for more, which is arguably the mark of a well-crafted film.