"From the Shadows" is a fresh B horror film that boasts a talented ensemble cast, including the seasoned actors Bruce Davison and Keith David, alongside the capable Selena Anduze and a band of young talented newcomers. The film's plot revolves around the mysterious demise of Dr. Joseph Cawl, played with gravitas by Bruce Davison, and his Hidden Wisdom cult members in a tragic fire. Survivors of the incident enlist the help of paranormal expert Selena Anduze to unravel the truth, only to find themselves targeted by a deranged killer portrayed by the incomparable Keith David.
The movie has an intriguing premise, which kicks off with a harrowing incident and transitions into video-chat interviews that steadily build a sense of unease. The supernatural elements and the stalking scenes are well-executed, and special effects makeup work by Vincent J. Guastini (who previously worked on Keith David's Requiem for a Dream) adds authenticity to the eerie nd jarring moments.
While the film does rely heavily on video-chat conversations for a significant part of its storytelling, it manages to keep viewers engaged with clever editing and snippets from Dr. Cawl's documentaries and security footage. The movie also delves into the history and mythology of shadowy figures, adding depth to the narrative.
Overall, "From the Shadows" is a solid horror flick that benefits from the performances of its seasoned actors, Bruce Davison and Keith David, and the capable lead, Selena Anduze. It offers an engaging story, albeit with some slower moments, and delivers effective scares. The supporting cast of cult members deserves mentioning as Ian Whitt's jolting screams combined with gruesome special effects makeup work, as well as Max MacKenzie's humor and charm help the scenes otherwise heavy with exposition really pop. All the younger actors really complement the veterans and create a diverse and compelling ensemble wreathed by a nightmare world of classic horror visual effects.
