Satanic

Satanic is an American supernatural horror film, released in 2016, directed by Jeffrey Hunt and written by Anthony Jaswinski. The film stars Sarah Hyland, Steven Krueger, Justin Chon, and Clara Mamet in pivotal roles. The movie amalgams classic horror themes with modern elements, and the narrative mainly revolves around the theme of devil worship and black magic, resulting in a film that is richly atmospheric and holds a sense of uneasiness throughout its duration.

Sarah Hyland stars as Chloe, an adventurous and brash young woman who is traveling to Coachella with three of her friends: David, her boyfriend, played by Steven Krueger, Seth, a fun-loving friend portrayed by Justin Chon, and Elise, Seth's girlfriend, and a believer in the occult, played by Clara Mamet. As they make their way, they decide to make a few intriguing pit stops, including supernatural tourist sites and occult haunts. If only these curiosities had been their last.

They happen upon an occult store where Elise becomes fascinated with a spell book and tries to buy it. They are sternly rebuffed by the shop owner and sternly warned about dabbling with forces they don’t understand. However, instead of being dissuaded, they become suspicious and decide to follow the shop owner after hours, leading them down a rabbit hole of satanic rituals and menacing spirits.

Enticed by the dark and enigmatic activities, the group ventures further, getting caught in places they have no business being. Subsequently, their fun road trip turns into something much more sinister and grotesque, as they unintentionally invite an evil entity that plays on their deepest fears and turns their reality into a living nightmare. Soon, the four pals find themselves ensnared in terrifying events that they can neither understand nor control.

Each character is uniquely portrayed, with Hyland's Chloe standing out as the bravest among the group, leading the pack with her rebellious tendencies and thirst for adventure. Krueger and Chon embody the conflicted and errant young men perfectly, bravely following but equally uneasy with the events unfolding. Mamet's Elise provides the character's much-needed susceptibility and naivety concerning the occult, drawing them deeper into the darkness.

"Satanic" is not just a horror fest filled with jump scares but is more of a creeping dread that slowly invades the comfort of your mind. The film plays with its viewer's fear of the unknown, and the inevitable unease that follows, creating an ambiance more unsettling with each passing scene. The film focuses on building tension, employing the use of shadowy atmospherics, chilling music scores, and nerve-wracking paranormal hauntings to create a sense of unease.

Director Jeffrey G. Hunt does an excellent job of creating a mounting sense of dread, further amplified by the effective visual effects and cinematography. The haunting visuals, combined with the edgy music, contribute to an atmosphere filled with an unbearable tension that lasts long after the movie has ended. The script is well crafted and weaves in elements of horror, suspense, and mystery effectively to keep the audience engaged.

In the vein of many great horror movies, "Satanic" serves as a cautionary tale about messing with forces beyond human understanding. It explores the unintentional consequences that could occur when one dabbles in the supernatural without adequate knowledge or respect for its powers. This theme is evident throughout the narrative, giving the film an additional layer of depth beyond the typical horror flick.

While it may venture into the familiar realms of horror, Satanic stands out with its unique blend of supernatural elements, real-life fears, and a chilling narrative that keeps the audience on their toes. It's an intense, spine-chilling experience that offers a fresh, intriguing take on the classic demonic horror fare. With strong performances, a compelling narrative, and well-executed horror elements, "Satanic" is a gritty and intense watch for all horror aficionados.