I really enjoyed my watching of Sader Ridge. I feel it was a solid Indie Horror/Thriller (more of the latter, though) movie.
D'Angelo Midili playing the standoffish grounds keeper was definitely my favorite character of the film. His nonchalance and awkwardness made for an endearing and complex character. The whole crew did great with the darker scenes. Those scenes, and the one on one interactions are where I feel the movie did it's best. Sam's descent from sanity is subtle and reminds me of Poe's story "The Black Cat". I also loved the ending.
The music is very atmospheric and interspersed, and fit well with the country scenery.
I enjoyed the cinematography a great deal. There are many wide shots of the beautiful landscape around the California countryside, as well as some interesting close ups that work well for setting the creepy atmosphere. You couldn't ask for a better location for a dark movie like this.
The weak points in the movie were probably the interactions in the full group scenes. It sometimes feels like people are waiting for their lines. But that didn't really bother me that much, when the one on one scenes were so well done. Some of the writing is a little wonky at times as well, but for the most part it feels like natural dialogue.
Overall I would recommend seeing this movie if you get a chance. It was engaging and has a simple and well executed story.
(Also, what was up with that cat? Super creepy.)
D'Angelo Midili playing the standoffish grounds keeper was definitely my favorite character of the film. His nonchalance and awkwardness made for an endearing and complex character. The whole crew did great with the darker scenes. Those scenes, and the one on one interactions are where I feel the movie did it's best. Sam's descent from sanity is subtle and reminds me of Poe's story "The Black Cat". I also loved the ending.
The music is very atmospheric and interspersed, and fit well with the country scenery.
I enjoyed the cinematography a great deal. There are many wide shots of the beautiful landscape around the California countryside, as well as some interesting close ups that work well for setting the creepy atmosphere. You couldn't ask for a better location for a dark movie like this.
The weak points in the movie were probably the interactions in the full group scenes. It sometimes feels like people are waiting for their lines. But that didn't really bother me that much, when the one on one scenes were so well done. Some of the writing is a little wonky at times as well, but for the most part it feels like natural dialogue.
Overall I would recommend seeing this movie if you get a chance. It was engaging and has a simple and well executed story.
(Also, what was up with that cat? Super creepy.)