Silhouette is the new feature from writer/director Mitch McLeod
After the death of their only child, Jack and Amanda Harms move to a secluded home to try and start anew. Their daughter’s death has obviously added a lot more strain on what seems to be an already crumbling and fragile relationship.
Silhouette was made on a shoestring budget of just $25.000. Even though I am not really a fan of haunted house horror, Sillohette offers us a lot more than just the average jump scares that plague Hollywood.
I do have to say that Silhouette is one hell of a slow-burner. This was so intentional and as the saying goes…”good things come to those who wait”.
The slow but consistent build-up to the finale is terrifically done and makes the slow-pacing understandable and relevant. I have to say, it even struck a nerve with me. April Hartman, who plays Amanda done a superb job at playing someone riddled with loss, regret, and guilt. Hartman is pretty much centre-stage throughout and more than delivers on every aspect of the role she is given.
The scares and ghostly content are done with eerie perfection. Although, I was able to guess what was going on for some part of the film. I was still thrown off-guard and left a little speechless as the credits rolled.
For an independent feature, Silhouette is confident and professional.
The sound design, direction, and camera work really are of top-quality. Mitch McLeod and DOP Marc Rouse throw in some clever colours and nauseating angles throughout.
Overall, fans of slow-burners and uneasiness will find a lot to love about Silhouette. You just gotta be patient for your pay-off!
Starring: April Hartman, Tom Zembrod, and Jessica Dawn Willis
Some awards that Silhouette has picked up…so far!
Bare Bones International Film & Music Festival 2019
| Winner Audience Choice Award | Best of Festival Mitch McLeod Absentia Pictures |
| Winner Feature Film Award | Best Horror Feature Mitch McLeod Absentia Pictures Skeleton Kreek Films |
| Winner Independent Actor Award | Best Actress April Hartman Absentia Pictures |
Calcutta International Cult Film Festival 2020
| Winner Outstanding Achievement Award | Narrative Features Mitch McLeod Absentia Pictures |
Freak Show Horror Film Festival 2019
| Winner Freaky Award | Best Actress April Hartman Absentia Pictures |
| Best Feature Mitch McLeod Absentia Pictures |
As always, thanks for reading.
Words by Gary Gamble Founder/Owner/BigCheese @ Moviehooker
