Ghostkeeper

Ghostkeeper is an obscure, atmospheric, Canadian horror movie that was released in 1981. The movie, directed by Jim Makichuk, features a dazzling cast headlined by Riva Spier, Murray Ord, and Sheri McFadden. Its narrative is a captivating mix of legend, suspense, and supernatural elements that ensures viewers' unwavering attention from start to finish.

The movie begins with a trio of friends, Jenny (Riva Spier), Marty (Murray Ord), and Chrissy (Sheri McFadden) going on a long-anticipated snowmobile trip. As the story unfolds, they find themselves unwittingly transported into a landscape steeped in mystery and suspense. It is in the middle of a desolate Canadian wilderness that they come across a seemingly abandoned old lodge which offers them respite from the approaching New Year's Eve blizzard. Unknown to them, this momentary haven from the icy weather draws them into a narrative filled with terror, folklore, and spine-chilling suspense.

In the chilling labyrinth of the old lodge, the three friends become entangled within a macabre world of mystery and terror presided over by a sole occupant, an eccentric old woman. The woman (Georgie Collins), who appears harmless at first yet increasingly eerie and bizarre, captures their interest — and eventual fear — as she spins tales of an ancient Native American legend that haunts and lords over the dilapidated lodge. With an uncanny ability to dominate screen time without uttering a single word, she transforms the lodge into a haunting environment, and the once friendly wilderness into a foreboding world.

The dense narrative of the movie hinges on indigenous folklore, focusing specifically on the Windigo, a cannibalistic spirit prominent in Algonquin-speaking tribes' folklore. As the movie progresses, the friends discover that they just might have stumbled on some living legend, and the old woman could be the mythical 'Ghostkeeper', a custodian of the evil spirit. With the lodge filled with strange, grotesque sculptures and a bizarre labyrinth of rooms that seem to shrink and expand at their own will, the stage is set for a masterpiece of psychological horror.

The movie's strength lies not just in its engrossing narrative but also in its powerful performances, particularly from Riva Spier and Georgie Collins. Spier, as Jenny, convincingly portrays a woman grappling with unfolding horror, while maintaining a level-headedness that adds a sense of realism to the supernatural plot. Collins, in her chilling portrayal of the old woman, adds depth and intrigue to the story, leaving viewers terror-stricken yet transfixed.

True to its genre, Ghostkeeper is highly dependent on atmosphere, and the movie delivers in spades. The stark icy wilderness, the eerie lodge brimming with Native American folklore, and the old woman's chilling presence, all work together to create an ominous, claustrophobic atmosphere. The excellent use of sound effects and ambient soundtrack adds to the ominous undertones in the movie, ensuring that viewers’ senses are on the edge throughout the screenings.

The director, Jim Makichuk, creates a slow-burning narrative, focusing on building tension and atmosphere rather than resorting to cheap jump scares. Elements of isolation, folklore, spirituality and winter chills are strategically interwoven to deliver a palpable, chilling omnipresence that complements the unfolding plot’s mystery.

Despite remaining largely unknown, Ghostkeeper is a testament to the vast potential of the horror genre when combined with rich folklore, atmospheric setting, and compelling performances. The movie offers an immersive cinematic experience that challenges and subverts typical expectations of the genre and emphasizes the power of narrative-based dread over physical horror. The movie's intricate blend of suspense, cultural folklore, and psychological horror makes it a unique entry within the realm of horror cinema.

In conclusion, Ghostkeeper is a true hidden gem of the horror genre, promising a chilling, suspenseful journey into a realm infested with ancient, cannibalistic spirits. Aided by strong performances, stunning visuals, and a masterful soundtrack, this movie delivers an eerie atmospheric horror experience that stays with viewers long after the credits have ended. It’s a must-watch for fans of atmospheric horror, indigenous folklore, and suspenseful narratives.