Blu-ray Review - SEANCE (2020)

SEANCE (2020)

D. Simon Barrett

W. Simon Barrett

Courtesy of RLJE Films//Shudder

Simon Barrett is a pretty well established name in the horror industry today, making a splash back in 2004 by writing a double whammy of the acclaimed Dead Birds and the awful(ly good) Frankenfish. But in 2010 he began an increasingly successful partnership with director Adam Wingard, crafting A Horrible Way to Die, The Guest, and You're Next among others. Now Barrett has at last made his feature directing debut with the modern (and supernatural) slasher Seance, a relatively under the radar Shudder exclusive which is now hitting Blu-Ray and DVD. How does it hold up on a second viewing?

Following the apparent suicide of a boarding school member of the Fairfield Academy after a seance led by Alice (Inanna Sarkis), Rosalind (Djouliet Amara), and Bethany (Madisen Beaty) goes awry, newcomer Camille (Suki Waterhouse) fills the empty spot shortly afterwards. She's not exactly welcomed by the fellow students, and she also doesn't appear to be welcomed by whatever they have awakened.  

The final of Barrett's "Mysterious Stranger" trilogy of films written at the same time as The Guest and You're Next, doesn't quite hit the highs that those two do, but Seance is another fun thriller that wears influences on it's sleeve as a badge of pride, and gives you a couple of strong characters to delve into. Barrett's had some experience with directing the wraparound segments of V/H/S/2, but he's definitely very green. Part of being green is exciting, figuring things out as you go, because he's directing his own script and knows his limitations...but as you'll discover during his (great) commentary, numerous times he would have no idea how to execute, or how to communicate his vision properly. Thus the shortcomings of the movie, for me, boil down to how "basic" a lot of this is shot...but that also becomes sort of thrilling when Barrett pulls it off well, like the dancing sequence. I'd love to see what he'll do now with some real experience under his belt. 

Performances are good throughout, with Waterhouse embodying the "mystery stranger" with what I would call a cool naivety (it's complicated), and strong performances from Ella-Rae Smith as Helina, the love interest of Camille, and Madisen Beaty -- so memorably crazy from Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood, and so very...it's hard to talk about much without ruining the surprises in the third act as more and more is revealed. The ending really works. The pacing is perfect, and this is a fun ride.  

TECHNICALS: This is a good looking disc for an unflashy, lower budget flick. Shot digitally with a very film-like appeal; skin tones are very natural, and the low-key lighting works with the clean look and feel that Barrett and cinematographer Karim Hussain are going for. Black levels are strong given the . The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is mostly front centered, with occasional bumps of surround activity during key moments, and some active LFE from time to time. It's as unflashy as the look of the movie, coming to life when it needs to and staying clear throughout. The unique score from Sicker Man (aka Tobias Vethake) is well represented and balanced, too.

EXTRAS: The audio commentary with Simon Barrett is the real highlight here for me. His and Adam Wingard's Blair Witch commentary is one of my all time favorite tracks, self-effacing and self-deprecating (and hilarious), which was recorded the week after the film's financial failure and insta-panning from critics. Barrett is very humorous and honest about Seance -- what works, what doesn't, the quick shooting pace, the headaches, the talent and everything else in-between. It's an absolute breeze to listen to. 

A behind the scenes featurette has some fun interviews with members of the cast, and there are a number of extended death sequences. Rounding things out are a handful of bloopers, including the best kill from the movie not working on the first try (and a hilarious "pre-vis" of it as well). Highly annoyingly, every extra kicks you back to the main menu when completing rather than putting you back to the extras menu. 

OVERALL: Solid movie, rock solid presentation, good extras and a wonderful commentary -- RLJ's discs are top notch quality and budget friendly, buy with confidence! Seance is a winner.

RATING: 3.5 out of 5

Seance is available on Blu-Ray and DVD from RLJ Entertainment and Shudder on August 3rd

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