Evil Exhumed

Evil Exhumed is a compelling 2016 horror film directed by David DeCoteau. As the name suggests, the movie is steeped in chilling themes of the supernatural, unholy rituals, ancient curses, and dark secrets that come to light. The film stars talented actors Aisling Goodman, James Drew Dean, and Caz Odin Darko, who all play critical roles that contribute to the overall atmosphere and intricate plot of the movie.

The film starts with a young man, Jason (James Drew Dean), a student of archaeology, making a significant discovery that changes the course of his life. This discovery, as the title suggests, involves an ancient tomb that he excavates, sparking off a chain of events that eventually lead to terrifying consequences. With his curious mind, he is drawn to the unknown and unknowingly unleashes an ancient curse embodied in the skeleton he exhumed.

Meanwhile, Aisling Goodman portrays a close friend and would-be love interest who becomes increasingly worried about Jason's obsession with his find. Goodman skillfully navigates a role that requires her to show her character's growing anxiety and fear as she watches Jason become increasingly consumed by the repercussions of his discovery. Though she tries to warn him, love blinds her to the evil that is slowly being awakened.

In this foreboding tale, Caz Odin Darko portrays an enigmatic character who plays a crucial role. Darko seamlessly delivers a performance that provides the necessary clues to the unfolding mystery while keeping the suspense high. His character's knowledge about the tomb and the curse takes the narrative to new heights, striking a great balance in the horror genre.

The story also introduces the audience to a host of secondary characters that contribute to the development of the storyline. Each plays a role that provides further depth to the plot and fuels the mystery surrounding the curse and its origins. They are forced to come face-to-face with the terrifying power of ancient curses, something they were thoroughly unprepared for.

Set mainly in an atmospheric old mansion and with the occasional change of scene to the archaeology site, Evil Exhumed uses its setting to great effect, enhancing the overall ambience of dread and fear. The mansion provides a twisted labyrinth from which no one can escape, while the dig site is intimidating in its excavation of horrors from the past.

Director David DeCoteau is known for his unique voice within the horror genre, combining classic elements of terror with fresh contemporary takes. In Evil Exhumed, he explores themes related to humanity's fascination with death, the unknowable, and the dangerous thrill of discovery. He masterfully delivers gripping storytelling coupled with suspenseful sequences that leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

The movie’s score also plays a significant role in delivering suspense and fear, as it deftly mixes chilling sounds with moments of silence to create a stark reality of terror. Everything from the lighting to the makeup contributes to the eerie vibe and the unrelenting unease that permeates the entire film.

The performances by the cast are commendable as they successfully portray the depth of human fear, tyranny of ignorance and the power of suppressed history. Goodman delivers a nuanced performance that portrays her internal conflict and terror, while James Dean appropriately reflects his character's intellectual curiosity, obsession, and eventual descent into madness. Darko’s performance is shadowy and complex, bringing the necessary mystery and dread to his crucial role.

Evil Exhumed is more than a generic horror flick; it combines elements of ancient history, supernatural beings, and human behavior to create a storyline that is not only chilling but also intellectually stimulating. The movie invites viewers to ponder upon the consequences of delving into the unknown, challenging them to seek out buried truths and simultaneously cautioning about the potential dangers of such endeavours. With fascinating characters, chilling circumstances, and a hefty doze of the supernatural, Evil Exhumed offers a unique perspective on the horror genre that is bound to thrill fans.