Ashes

"Ashes" is a unique take on paranormal activity horror. I found the style and point of view curious but intriguing. To be honest I didn't want to like this one. The back and forth between docu style and third person kept throwing me out of a very mesmerizing and macabre vibe. That being said it was clear that there was more going on in this movie. So I found myself hooked to the concept and invested in this family.

The story isn't all that original, but it is, by no means, mundane. The clever choices Jay takes keeps things fresh. The characters are likable, fully developed and conflicted, much like the real world. I did find myself cursing them and rooting for Auntie to get them, based on some really crappy personality querks- mainly how they treated an elder and the whole complaining about keeping the ashes. Still in the end I empathized with the fam.

For the most part the movie hits the mark on most of the things Barry Jay attempts, and"Ashes" delivers. Horror and special effects included. This film captured a lot of the haunting, spooky atmosphere that "Insidious" used. The jump scares work, and got me good a few times, the paranormal tricks are controlled, and the practical effects rock. Even the dark humor retains a smart, mature approach. A lot of it reminded me of the humor and atmosphere used in the 'Ash vs the Evil Dead' series.

Overall "Ashes" is a fun, well-made paranormal horror movie. The beginning may through a question mark out there, but within 30 minutes the story smooths out, and the whole energy sets in. It never steps into 'spoof' territory, as much is serious and pointed in "Ashes" as the funny. The acting is quality, the scares are fun and the creepy is turnt up. Definitely check it out.

It's tough to get the horror/comedy angle right in a film. Too far one direction and there aren't really scary parts. Too far the other, and the funny parts seem like an afterthought. Ashes has a great vibe.

First of all the, the lead actress was GREAT and I loved the mother character. They did a really good job on the flow of terror and periods of needed rest in between those truly creepy scenes. I became riveted as the movie progressed and couldn't turn away. It wasn't cookie-cutter, it had unexpected turns and at times grueling suspense. I thought they handled the subject of ashes in a way I've never encountered in horror flicks--it actually made me think more about the topic. Anyway, I don't think I'll sleep alone tonight with those images in my head!

This horror film is a surprisingly good watch. It blends mockumentary-style interviews with the characters' eerie experiences, creating an engaging story. While the ending is a bit slow, the film has plenty of creepy moments and even some laughs that balance it out. It's clear that female-led horror isn't for everyone, but I'm giving this an 8 because it's genuinely entertaining, and I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. It's a refreshing take on horror with a unique narrative style that deserves more recognition. Also, we need to support good films like this to encourage more diverse and creative storytelling in the genre.

Fun mix of horror with dashes of comedy. And yes, fairly spooky at times...Proof once more that small budget Indy movies that are well written, acted, and given a new or novel storyline can be very entertaining.