Released: Upcoming 2006
Directed by: Jason Christ
Wicked Pixel Cinema

Savage Harvest 2: October Blood comes from the folks over at Wicked Pixel Cinema who brought us such independent classics as: The Ice From The Sun and the original Savage Harvest. And is directed by Jason Christ who is also an accomplished actor from one of my favorite indy films 'The Undertow'. In this film Christ uses great camera work and sets an atmospheric tone in and even more atmospheric film.

Ashley Lomack (Emily Haack in a fantastic role) receives a package in the mail from unknown correspondent, a video that shows her sister Mikki in a crimson mask, crying out to her before her Memorex death. The video brings back Ashley's sadness and depression from eight years earlier when she first learned of her sister's death. Ashley then runs into her ex-boyfriend Tyge (Benjamin Gaa), who is back in town after some trouble at his job. She confides in him what has recently happened, they discover that it was an old friend from high school who sent Ashley the tape he affirms that demonic possession was Mikki's cause of death. Eventually the friends all investigate the matters, but soon they may well discover that one of the possessed may be amongst them.

What is unique about a lot of the horror films from the 1970's is they all hold an artistic tone without being overly insistent about it. This is the case with 'Savage Harvest 2'. Christ's fantastic camera work and morose tone should not be missed. Also, The gore hounds will be extremely pleased…although you should be patient as the film is a lengthy 2 hours. With the first half mainly setting up the story and character development. While I will say that I was rather entertained by the film, it was wholly too long. The second half of the film is a straight out zombie/demon madhouse filled with creative death scenes and a blood-spattered gallery of gore…and honestly in the end is worth the wait!

Final thoughts:

If you're up for some horror with a story but at first is not so gory then be sure to put 'Savage Harvest 2' on your list. The folks over at Wicked Pixel Cinema have a knack for horror, and their films definitely show it.

*** out of *****