USA/2013
Directed By: Blair Erickson
Written By: Blair Erickson, Daniel Healy
Starring: Katia Winter, Michael McMillian, Ted Levine
Color/87 Minutes/Rated R
Region 1
The Film
I think it would be best to review BANSHEE CHAPTER with as little detail as possible. Anna is a young journalist searching for her friend that went missing. Anna's friend had been experimenting with mind altering drugs developed by the government. Soon Anna finds herself neck deep in a situation she didn't want to be in with mind altering drugs, government conspiracies and a strange radio transmission. Anna's search for her friend will quickly become a fight for her own sanity.
There. BANSHEE CHAPTER's plot without giving anything away. I think going into this film knowing as little actual detail as possible is crucial for your enjoyment. BANSHEE CHAPTER plays out as a creepy episode of The X-Files, without Mulder or Scully. Some of the flashing visual images are incredibly creepy and the scenes of medical testing is almost disturbing.
Somehow, the film didn't click with me, not completely anyhow. Too much of the film feels like padding to me. The script would have benefited from a slower pace, drawing things out a bit a more. There are some truly suspenseful moments but it seems like the characters breeze passed them once they're over. This story almost begs for them to slow down and suffer a bit more. Everything falls into place too easily which hurts how disturbing of a movie watching experience this could be. That said, BANSHEE CHAPTER is a pretty original film that isn't horribly executed. It is handled competently from top to bottom and it is a solid film. It is disappointing that it wasn't something more.
The Audio & Video
BANSHEE CHAPTER arrives on DVD from XLrator Media with a 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track. The picture is relatively strong with a clear image throughout. The film was shot in Stereoscopic 3D but I never noticed it and it isn't presented in 3D on this DVD. The audio track is fine, with the mix being strong and well done so that the important sound effects of the radio transmission can be heard along with dialogue and soundtrack.
The Extras
A four part "Making Of" documentary is the main special feature, along with a trailer for the film.
The Bottom Line
BANSHEE CHAPTER seems like building block for something bigger and better to me. As it is there is still enough to be worth watching.
BANSHEE CHAPTER is available HERE
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