House of Manson

House of Manson is a dramatic retelling of the infamous Manson Family murders that took place in the late 1960s. Starring Ryan Kiser as Charles Manson, Devanny Pinn as Susan Atkins, and Reid Warner as Tex Watson, this low-budget indie film explores the inner workings of the cult and the gruesome crimes they committed.

The movie begins with a young Charles Manson being released from prison in 1967, where he meets Mary Brunner (played by Erin Marie Hogan) and starts recruiting vulnerable and impressionable people to join his hippie commune. As Manson becomes more unhinged and delusional, his followers become more devoted to his twisted ideology, which eventually leads to the murders of Sharon Tate (played by Chrissie Carpenter), Jay Sebring (played by Tristan Risk), Abigail Folger (played by Serena Lorien), and Wojciech Frykowski (played by Reid Warner) in August of 1969.

Throughout the film, we see Manson's megalomania and manipulation tactics on full display, as well as the blind obedience of his followers, who are willing to do anything he asks them to do. The murders themselves are not explicitly shown, but we do see the lead-up to the events and the aftermath, including the trial and eventual convictions of Manson and his followers.

One of the strongest aspects of House of Manson is its performances, especially from Ryan Kiser as Charles Manson. Kiser fully embodies the role of Manson, from his hypnotic presence to his wild-eyed rants, and he manages to be both charismatic and terrifying at the same time. Devanny Pinn is also excellent as Susan Atkins, portraying the conflicted and disturbed woman with depth and nuance. The rest of the cast, despite some occasional wooden acting and clunky dialogue, are generally solid as well.

The film's low-budget nature is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, the grainy, gritty visuals evoke the feel of the 60s and add to the claustrophobic, cult-like atmosphere. On the other hand, the film could have benefited from a bit more polish and a more confident direction. Some of the scenes drag on a bit too long, and the dialogue can be a bit on the nose at times. However, these issues are relatively minor and do not detract from the overall impact of the film.

House of Manson is not an easy film to watch. It delves into some very dark, disturbing subject matter, and it does not shy away from the violence and horror of the Manson Family's crimes. However, it is also a powerful exploration of human nature and our capacity for evil, as well as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders.

In conclusion, House of Manson is a well-crafted, if somewhat flawed, retelling of one of the most chilling chapters in American history. The film's strong performances and unsettling atmosphere make for a gripping, if uncomfortable, viewing experience. Fans of true crime stories and psychological dramas will find a lot to appreciate here.