Very disturbing and moody, the movie Inheritance deals with horror in a mystical way. Bizarre in the way the film gets played out, it tends to lure the viewer into a hypnotic spell with its brooding soundtrack and slow pacing. Sets and locations become a player in the plot while the actors walk through their motions and deliver writer Tyler Savage’s ominous dialogue.
Working as a carpenter Ryan Bowman (Chase Joliet), gets visited on the job by Glen Crawford (Jim Ortlieb) a lawyer who notifies him that he has inherited his biological father’s $2 million beach house. Realizing it’s a reality he sets out with his fiancée Isi (Sara Montez) to visit the estate built on a private coast in California overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
After exploring the property and the small coastal town, he starts looking through his father’s belongings to find out more about the man he never knew. He finds a foreboding note and starts getting visitors including a couple of unwelcoming relatives. One of them is his father’s first cousin Del Morse (Drew Powell) who seems to know a lot about the goings on at the property. As the past starts to come to light for Ryan, strange things start to happen that don’t seem to make sense, including his father’s death.
Director and writer Savage sets up his story with a lot of mystery and suspense. As he introduces characters he insinuates that each of them are a part of bigger plan. Keeping his audience off guard he attempts to set up twists that may or may not come into play. The ploy is a good one, but the techniques to a good plot surprise are not in his cards. He does however create intermittent dream like sequences with a lot of morbid and glum scenes that are often very creepy. Keep your eyes fixed for clues that are later revealed as part of the plot.
The acting by the main cast is very good and support each other throughout the slow moving film. Krisha Fairchield plays Bonnie the neighbor who knows all about Ryan’s mysterious father and what went on at his estate. She creates a strange person that’s afraid to reveal all the facts because it may cause Ryan to suspect her of wrong doing.
I like Chase Joliet as Ryan the unsuspecting heir who becomes entwined in his father’s web of secrets and sin. Following director Savage’s lead he pulls off a strong performance of the guy who’s puzzled by the state of events and nurses it to the menacing finale.
What doesn’t work however, are the shadowy characters and photographs of the past as they pop into the film expecting the viewer to know their meaning. It all comes clear at the end, but getting there can be a bit too puzzling and tiring.
Inheritance has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains sex/nudity, language, violence, and gore. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for youngsters. The film is now available on Digital HD including iTunes and Amazon Instant Video.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A good film that builds mystery for those who like a lot of suspense. (3 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information
Cast: Chase Joliet, Sara Montez, Tim Abell, Kate Norby, Dale Dickey, Krisha Fairchield, Drew Powell, Jim Ortlieb
Directed and written by: Tyler Savage
Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
MPAA Rating: Not rated, contains sex/nudity, language, violence, gore
Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min.
Release Date: June 15, 2018
Distributed by: Portola Pictures
Released in: Digital HD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
