Cthulhu

Cthulhu is a spellbinding drama, horror and thriller movie from 2007, directed by Dan Gildark and featuring Jason Cottle, Casey Curran, and Ethan Atkinson. The film is rooted in the rich and fascinating lore of H.P. Lovecraft, specifically drawing from his novella "The Shadow Over Innsmouth", blending the conventional elements of horror with a thought-provoking philosophical investigation. It presents a sublime mixture of supernatural elements, combined with the exploration of the protagonist's intricate personal journey.

Jason Cottle takes the lead role as Russell Marsh — an individual whose personal journey takes him to the heart of his dark past. A fiercely independent and openly gay man, Russell is a history professor situated in Seattle, but he finds himself drawn back to his hometown because of his mother's death. He takes on the responsibility to execute her will, reconnecting him with his estranged father, Reverend Marsh, portrayed by the supremely talented Dennis Kleinsmith.

Upon his homecoming to Rivermouth, the fictional town in Oregon, the film manifests itself as a journey into Russell's past, with haunting childhood memories and repressed fears lurking around every corner. As an estranged son in a family involved in shadowy and deeply troubling practices, Russell is entrenched in a world where reality is twisted, and the veil between the natural and the supernatural is thin.

Cthulhu masterfully integrates elements of horror, with the feeling of unease that builds throughout the movie. Director Dan Gildark creates an ambiance of suspense and terror, dipping in and out of the supernatural while also keeping the narrative grounded in the challenges and conflicts of its central characters. The protagonists grapple with their personal struggles as the world around them delves into chaos, blurring the lines between real human horror and supernatural terror.

Jason Cottle perfectly captures the essence of a man grappling with his past, current identity and confronting a mysterious, deeply unsettling future. His character development throughout the film is poignant, reflecting a man navigating his fear, legacy, and the sinister mysteries of the town that time forgot.

Casey Curran, playing the role of the young, enigmatic and eccentric Rivermouth resident Mike, delivers a standout performance. His charm and curiosity add another layer of intrigue to the story. Ethan Atkinson plays Ralph, Russell's old friend, full of cheer and positivity, serving as an energizing presence in the increasingly gloomy narrative.

Gildark's mastery of cinematography has created an ominously beautiful experience, reflecting the aesthetic of Lovecraft's prose, scrambling with the power of the ocean, the enormity of nature and mankind's insignificance before it. Rivermouth is portrayed scenically, with a grey overtone that befits its gloomy aspect, and the camerawork laudably captures the raw isolation and impending doom that lurks in the town's unseen corners. Here, the Pacific Northwest's ethereal ruggedness reinforces the aura of detached eeriness and cosmic dread associated with Lovecraft's work.

The film seamlessly integrates critical social commentary about homophobia, religious fanaticism, and ecological disasters while projecting a dread-laced supernatural narrative. Balancing human fears and anxieties with cosmic horror, it takes the viewers through a roller-coaster of subtle chills, psychological mysteries, and escalating suspense.

The scriptwriting deserves a special commendation for its ingenious blend of Lovecraftian mystic narrative with the struggles of a modern gay man. Grant Cogswell, the writer of this film, did a commendable job adapting Lovecraft's themes to a contemporary setting while staying true to its spine-chilling horror roots.

Cthulhu's original soundtrack by composer Fritz Myers underscores the narrative's dark turns and Lovecraftian themes, connecting seamlessly with the dark and somber mood permeating the film. The music serves to heighten the suspense and mystery, further enveloping the audience in the story's escalating horror and madness.

In the landscape of Lovecraft-inspired cinema, Cthulhu sets itself apart. It is visually stunning, emotionally intense, and intellectually invigorating. The magnificent performances only add to the eerie, chilling, and constantly unsettling narrative, making the film a must-see for any fan of Lovecraft or psychological thrillers in general. Cthulhu is an atmospheric gem and an honest and unsettling examination of personal and worldly demons.