In post-Civil War Arkansas, a young doctor is mysteriously summoned to a remote town in the Ozarks only to discover that the utopian paradise is filled with secrets and surrounded by a menacing, supernatural presence.
Starring: Thomas Hobson, Phil Morris, and Tara Perry
Directed by: Matt Glass and Jordan Wayne Long
Written by: Sean Anthony Davis, Jordan Wayne Long, and Tara Perry
The “Ghosts of the Ozarks” are lurking and ready to come for those who get out of line. James ‘Doc’ McCune (Thomas Hobson) is on his way to a new town to fill the role of doctor. As he gets close to the town, he encounters an unfriendly character that almost kills him, but he’s actually saved by something in the forest. It won’t be his last encounter, but first he’s welcomed to town by his uncle, Matthew McCune (Phil Morris). Matthew is in charge of the town, and appears to have things running smoothly.
Thomas spends some time getting the feel of being the doctor in town while also getting to meet the people. On the surface, the town seems to be working like clockwork, but Thomas starts learning there are rules to obey, and punishment for those who don’t. Punishment as in being thrown out of town, and into the forest with the ghosts of the Ozarks. The more time he spends there the more he figures out something else is going on there. He’ll face some tough decisions if he wants to stay in line, and away from the ghosts.
Horror fans get a lot of settings in the present, so it’s usually enjoyable to see a film that takes audiences back in time. This one is set in a small town giving the feel of almost a western. There are no showdowns at high noon, but still plenty of interesting characters. While the story follows James, one character that stands out in their few scenes is Torb (Tim Blake). He’s in charge of an inn along with his wife, and manages to do a great job even though he’s blind. His other senses are definitely heightened, and he makes it work for him very well. Not far behind him are Annie (Tara Perry) and her partner William (Joseph Ruud), who are hunters and maybe even trouble makers in this story.
The film does spend a good deal of time laying out these characters, and showing the dynamics of the town. All of it seems important as if they're making a statement about society, and government. Taking a step back, it became interesting to look at, and compare some of the things to what current society as gone through with COVID. The story might have been created pre-COVID, but still seems relatable in ways. With that said, it leaves the ghosts a little out of the picture. After a great scene early on with James and a stranger, there isn’t much besides a few nightmares by James. It isn’t until the final dramatic act that the ghosts really make their mark.
“Ghosts of the Ozarks” takes audiences back in time to tell a story, and make points about society and politics. It has some very intriguing characters that are brought to life by some strong performances all around. The film will definitely take its time showing how this society works, and what happens when it doesn’t. The final act brings on some good dramatics, and reveals what’s really going on in town. The only thing missing was maybe some more action from the ghosts before that final act. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood.
HorrO
More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2022/01/14/official-trailer-for-ghosts-of-the-ozarks-in-theaters-on-demand-digital-feb-3rd/
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