Seance: Blu-Ray Review

Ten years ago, Adam Wingard’s The Guest turned out to be one of the best pieces of genre cinema, not only in 2011, but of that decade. Much of the credit goes to Simon Barrett, who delivered sharp writing for such a simple story. Obviously Wingard and star Dan Stevens also played a big role in making that movie a must-see. Barrett now makes his feature film directorial debut with Seance, which he also wrote.

Set at the Fairfield Academy, a young woman named Camille (Suki Waterhouse) arrives, shortly after the death of a student. Although the death looks like a suicide, the audience knows better from the film’s opening minutes. Camille is quickly befriended by Helina (Ella-Rae Smith), but the rest of the girls in that click are not-too-happy that the new girl is filling the void for their departed friend. Alice (Inanna Sarkis), who is the leader of the mean girls is pretty, quick to pick a fight with Camille.

Despite their distain for each other, the girls to wind up working together to find out what was the real cause of the student’s death and was it supernatural related?  Seance is not much more than a run-of-the-mill slasher, but it stands out due to it’s setting and talented cast. Ella-Rae Smith reminded me a bit of Rachel True in The Craft, who I have always felt has a charming presence.

The biggest problem with Seance is the film’s pacing and lack of original kills. We have some decent bloody moments, including death by lightbulb, but they didn’t leave much of an impact.  Still, if you are looking for a solid slasher flick, this one has its’ moments.

By: Marc Ferman