This Free-to-Stream Hidden Horror Gem is a Terrifying Lovecraftian Masterpiece
Lovecraftian horror remains the most difficult to adapt in filmic form. Think about not just the writer’s work, but the litany of homages and broader sense Lovecraftian horror works that have graced fiction in the decades since. Principally, the horror is that of the unknown. Some nebulous, unseen terror that, while effective in writing, proves incredibly challenging to actualize and visualize on a movie screen. For every Dagon and Underwater, there’s Alone in the Dark and The Barge People.
For as truly horrible as the actual writer himself was, Lovecraft’s influence on the horror genre remains unmatched, so it makes sense that burgeoning filmmakers, especially, would hope to imbue their debuts with some kind of Lovecraftian homage. Go to any bookstore anywhere – Lovecraft continues to dominate the market. Among Lovecraftian horror movies, especially low-budget offerings, might I introduce you to one of the best to ever do it? In Blair Erickson’s directorial debut Banshee Chapter, you’ll understand what makes these mythos so terrifying.
Per Tubi: A journalist explores the disturbing links behind her friend’s sudden disappearance, an ominous government research chemical, and a radio broadcast.
Banshee Chapter is loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft’s From Beyond, which was first adapted by Lovecraft aficionado Stuart Gordon back in 1986. Erickson’s adaptation is less silly, more serious. It’s a found footage horror film that adeptly introduces that beguiling Lovecraftian lore. You’ve got all the expected elements. Weird radio waves, experimental drugs, and frightening monsters just out of view in the periphery. What are those monsters up to? It’s pretty dang scary stuff.
In our 4-star review of Banshee Chapter back in 2013, we wrote, “Banshee Chapter is enthralling, enjoyably scary and very well crafted — yet if you think this frightens you, take a look into the actual MKUltra trials themselves; something which proves quite easily that real life can usually be much more disturbing than any fiction could ever muster.” We praised the performances and jump scares in particular. Believe me, Banshee Chapter is one you want to watch with the lights turned down and the volume turned up. You can apologize to your neighbors once it’s over. With the film streaming free on Tubi, now’s the perfect time to open yourself up to this underrated chapter in horror.
What do you think? Do you have any plans to check out Banshee Chapter on Tubi? If you do, let me know what you think over on Twitter @Chadiscollins.
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