Dig Two Graves (2017)
Matt Boiselle
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Starring Samantha Isler, Ted Levine, Troy Ruptash
Directed by Hunter Adams
The bond between brother and sister can be one that stretches years, and that bond is explored in director Hunter Adams’ gloomy supernatural drama Dig Two Graves. It’s a film that has an equal balance of mystery, suspense, and a widened out backstory that all add up to a stellar experience for its audience.
Jake Mather (Isler) is a teenage girl who looks up to her younger brother, Sean (Ben Schneider), with aplomb; and in the film’s opening act we see the two ready to take a daring and exhilarating plunge into the waters below a deep quarry cliff. What was supposed to be another relaxing day quickly turns to tragedy when, at the last moment, Jake’s nerves get the better of her, and she breaks the clasping grip she and her brother share, leaving him to take the leap alone. Sean never resurfaces, and Jake is left with not only a mounting sense of grief, but an indelible amount of guilt for what’s happened.
Ted Levine (in a remarkable performance) stars as Sheriff Waterhouse, Jake’s grandfather and a man with an odd connection to a local gypsy (Ruptash) who has offered to bring back Sean at the expense of another human life… decisions, decisions. There’s an infinite sense of the unknown in this sleepy little town and far too many secrets that simply cannot stay buried – this film is so much more than a one-note hit, and Adams’ writing and direction should be lauded for such depth in its practicality.
The film’s visuals are its shining star – of course you can combine that with its concrete-solid performances all the way around, slick storytelling, and multi-faceted end product. While I’m normally the first one in line to start deconstructing a film to find its weak spots, this one really doesn’t have any. Perhaps a little more explanation as to the gypsy directive or a little more fine-tuning to some characters’ relationships, but all in all this is a finely crafted production that will be looked upon some years down the line as a movie that echoes some of the creepier cinematic mysteries to be tossed up on the big screen.
One can only wait and see what projects lie in the weeds for Mr. Adams to sink his hooks into in the future, but if they’re anything even remotely as refreshing as Dig Two Graves, I think we as horror fans are all in for some big treats to come. Make sure to give this one a look as soon as it makes its way to you.
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Film
Categorized:Reviews
