Incorporeal

Incorporeal is a gripping horror movie from 2014, directed by Justin Foia and written by Foia and his wife, Kristen. The film stars Heather Dorff as the lead character, Jessica, alongside Dylan Cinti and Mardell Elmer in supporting roles.

The story revolves around Jessica, a young woman who inherits her late father's dilapidated mansion. Eager to start her new life in her father's house, Jessica moves in and begins to renovate the mansion. However, strange occurrences start happening as she makes progress in the restoration. She hears strange noises, has nightmares, and begins to feel like she's being watched. At first, she dismisses these events as mere coincidences or the result of her imagination. Until she discovers that the mansion may have a darker history than she first thought.

The film’s production design is impressive. The mansion where the film takes place is both rustic and eerie, and it's the perfect setting for a horror movie. The use of dark lighting adds a suspenseful atmosphere to the mansion, and the sound design cleverly uses subtle noises to create a sense of unease in the audience.

The characters in the movie are well-developed, especially the lead character, Jessica. She's a realistic, relatable protagonist. It's easy to identify with her struggles as she tries to make a new life for herself in a new place while battling her fears and doubts. Dylan Cinti portrays Tyler, Jessica's childhood friend, who comes to help her with the renovations. Tyler has a charming and calming presence, and he serves as a confidant for Jessica when she feels isolated. Mardell Elmer plays the role of Rebecca, a clairvoyant hired by Jessica to help her solve the mystery of the mansion's past. Rebecca's mysterious personality and approach add to the intrigue of the story, and the role is well-played by Elmer.

The film’s pacing is well-structured, with enough thrills and suspense to keep the audience engaged. The story builds up slowly, giving the characters room to breathe and develop. The horror elements are introduced gradually, starting with subtle hints and building up to more pronounced scares. There is a mix of jump scares and psychological tension that keeps the audience engaged throughout the film.

One of the things that set Incorporeal apart from other horror movies is its exploration of grief and loss. Jessica is struggling to come to terms with the death of her father, and the mansion symbolizes both the bond she had with her dad and the emotional turmoil she’s experiencing. The film explores these themes in a subtle and nuanced way. It's impressive how the filmmakers are able to weave these elements into the horror story without it feeling forced or overbearing.

Overall, Incorporeal is an impressive horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It's a combination of psychological horror, mystery, and thriller, with well-developed characters and a sound production design. The themes of loss and grief add a depth to the film's story, making it more than just a typical horror film. It's a solid recommendation for fans of the horror genre and for those who want a good scare with a meaningful story.