By Romey Norton - January 27, 2025
Séance is a psychological thriller film directed by Vivian Kerr that will transport viewers to 1892 California, weaving a tale of suspense, supernatural intrigue, and complex human emotions. Think Downton Abbey does a séance and you’re on the right track. The film centres on a woman contemplating adultery who, amidst a storm, seeks refuge in the home of her first husband and his unstable wife, who claims to be haunted by their deceased child.
It’s an intriguing start as the film opens to a tea party on the beach that ends in disaster. The rest of the film is set in a Victorian-era home where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. Kerr's direction masterfully balances the film's gothic elements with a deep exploration of grief, guilt, and the lingering shadows of unresolved relationships. The Victorian-era looking home is the perfect setting for a horror-drama film like this - it’s beautiful and creepy.
The story and plot is easy to follow and understand, and there’s enough intrigue to keep you guessing and invested from start to finish. The script is well written where the female characters have strong back stories and constant inner conflicts and demons they’re trying to navigate.
Every actor has excellent chemistry on screen and are completely convincing in their roles. Scottie Thompson delivers a compelling performance as the protagonist Emma, capturing the internal conflict of a woman torn between desire and duty. Her acting is so powerful at times I couldn’t take my eyes off her. There’s a powerful scene between her and her husband roughly one hour into the film and it’s utterly fantastic - the emotion served on screen is undeniable.
Jilon VanOver portrays the first husband with a nuanced blend of nostalgia and regret, while Vivian Kerr herself takes on the role of the unstable wife, embodying a character teetering on the edge of sanity. Her character flits between being kind and then slightly sinister which kept me on my toes. Connor Paolo's presence adds depth to the ensemble, contributing to the film's tense and eerie atmosphere.
The film uses classic horror tropes such as dolls, dim lighting, a storm, white nightgowns and eerie piano music, but it's all crafted in a way where it feels fresh. The cinematography by Johanna Coelho enhances the film's haunting ambiance, utilising the expansive Victorian setting to its fullest potential. You can tell there is influence from the great Hitchcock when it comes to the shooting style, and it works very well. The use of lighting and shadow plays a crucial role in building suspense, heightening the sense of unease that permeates the story.
With twists, turns and revelations towards the end, this film went in directions I didn’t expect.
Safe to say, the last twenty minutes are its strongest, filled with drama and suspense.
Overall, Séance is a thoughtfully crafted film that combines elements of psychological drama and supernatural horror. Vivian Kerr's direction, coupled with strong performances and evocative cinematography, offers viewers a haunting exploration of the human psyche set against a richly atmospheric backdrop.
Séance made its world premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival on October 18, 2024, followed by a subsequent screening on October 24. Séance is currently on its festival circuit, so thriller fans should stay tuned for distribution and release updates. For the latest information, follow the film's official Instagram account: https://instagram.com/seancefilm
Fan of Vivian Kerr? Check out our review of her film SCRAP, available on digital platforms now.
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