The Selling

The Selling is an award-winning, independent horror-comedy feature released in 2011. This exceptional, unusual gem of a film, directed by Emily Lou, features a stellar cast including Gabriel Diani, Janet Varney, and Jonathan Klein.

The story follows Richard Scarry, a too-kind-for-his-own-good real estate agent who is brought to life with an engaging performance by Gabriel Diani. Scarry isn't your typical ruthless, bottom-line-driven estate agent. Instead, he grapples with the moral quandaries of selling homes. He decides to leave behind deceiving people into buying unsuitable homes for profits and aspires to sell properties honestly.

However, life has a funny way of springing surprises. In his pursuit of ethical dealings, Richard winds up buying a gorgeous, old mansion intending to flip it for a modest profit. He wants to get it on the market quickly, but soon he and his business partner Dave Ross, played by the charming Jonathan Klein, discover that the house is not as it seems. The premise of the haunted house has been used before, but The Selling gives it a fresh spin.

Janet Varney, lauded for her work as a voice actor in "The Legend of Korra," portrays Mary Best, a strikingly intelligent and sarcastic woman who supports Richard and offers a semblance of normalcy in the midst of the ensuing chaos. Best becomes a big part of Richard's life and lends a hand as he struggles with the aftermath of the real "estate" issues.

As Richard unearths the menacing secrets hidden beneath the glossy veneer of the house, the property proves to be a hard sell. Cue the hilarious exploits and the terrifying encounters. What ensues is a rollercoaster ride teeming with exciting twists and turns as they're stuck trying to sell a haunted house nobody wants to buy.

The Selling doesn't solely focus on horror or comedy, but perfectly melds the two genres, maintaining a careful balance between laughs and scares. Twists are skillfully scattered throughout the plot, keeping the audience wondering what is coming next. The movie also draws on themes of morality and humorously critiques the often-predatory nature of the real estate industry.

In terms of performances, Gabriel Diani’s commendable portrayal as the empathetic and ethical Richard Scarry stands out. His comic timing is perfect, aligning with the film's narrative and tone. Janet Varney displays a solid performance and shares great chemistry with Diani. Jonathan Klein, while offering the needed comic relief, encapsulates Dave Ross' characteristics brilliantly.

One might think a low-budget indie film might skimp on special effects, but The Selling turns this notion on its head. The film proudly delivers convincing, effective special effects, used sparingly, enhancing the overall viewing experience without being overbearing.

Also noteworthy is the film’s witty, well-crafted script, penned by Gabriel Diani himself. It infuses the plot with layers, allowing for humorous, emotional, and frightening moments creating a memorable mix of fear and fun.

The cinematography and production design deserve a special mention. The haunting vistas of the old home brings a very classic ghost story vibe, while the bright and lively setting of the town create a stark contrast.

The film's unique blend of horror and comedy delivers plenty of laughs peppered throughout the suspense-filled exploration of the haunted house. The narrative is peppered with clever one-liners and references to classic horror films, serving as little easter eggs for horror aficionados.

Ultimately, The Selling should be celebrated as a smart, engaging, and original movie which offers a delightful blend of suspense, humor, and thought. Despite having a low budget, the film proves that good storytelling and compelling characters triumph over all. So, whether you're a fan of horror looking for a new perspective or a comedy enthusiast searching for something different, The Selling is a delightful pick.