Dating can be hard for anyone. Imagine getting out of a long term relationship, without the wedding bands, that’s still a tough thing. You, as an individual, still need to grieve that relationship. Probably not the best idea for your mental health to jump into a rebound relationship by any means. For the record, I’m speaking from experience. I was so messed up in depression that I went through rebounds like they were on clearance. With that approach, we can begin to demean people as actual human beings. Again, speaking from my own experience. If you’ve been able to do stuff like that and retain relationships, more power to you. 

Though when you add in marriage and children, it’s a whole other level. The loss of a spouse can make things “final boss” difficult when readjusting to life. Sometimes there are no wedding bells involved, merely just children. I’ve seen friends who are single parents struggle to raise their child. They’re doing that while attempting to find happiness in a soul mate. It’s sometimes a gamble. Some people aren’t into the idea of single parents, while others are. Dating can oftentimes be one of the hardest obstacles of life.

Throw in a nearly 18 year-old daughter and you’ll find yourself one step closer to What Lies Below. The movie tells the story of a young girl (Ema Horvath) who returns to her mother (Mena Suvari) after a summer away at camp. Upon her return she meets her mother’s new boyfriend (Trey Tucker) and uncovers a deadly secret with him. Below is extraordinarily atmospheric. That’s one of the endearing qualities about this film from writer-director Braden R. Duemmler. Even before audiences get to the horror and science fiction based elements, Duemmler crafts a thick sexually tense atmosphere that would make Clive Barker blush. It’s this early groundwork that makes the finale of Below that much more effective. 

At the forefront of that tension is Tucker. Tucker is the boyfriend of Suvari who is passionate about the ocean supply but someone who has a dark secret. He also happens to be the central figure of Horvath’s crush and fascination upon her return home. Think about when Tommy meets Beverly for the first time in Tommy Boy. He turns to his dad and asks if she was for him. To which his dad says, “no son, that’s for me.” It’s like that, only much creepier. Below is a movie masterfully filled with tension; it’s Tucker who is the driving force of that anxiety. It’s been a good while since I’ve felt this uncomfortable at a movie. Though, once that uncomfort manifests itself into horror - you’re in for something completely different.

Below finds an effective slow-burn pace that will continuously have you on the edge of your seat. Though, the cast is a mere three people with a few extra players; the family dynamic weaves itself with absolute effectiveness. The family dynamic latches itself to early 2020 offerings like Color Out of Space and Relic. Horvath and Suvari hold themselves up with ease against Tucker, rounding out an immensely talented cast. The deeper you get into the movie, the larger the visual spectacle. I don’t want to give away too much of this movie but I have to say the visuals of this movie are stunning. Mixing them in with the ambiguous ending results in one of this year’s strongest movies.

Overall, What Lies Below is a beautifully crafted film that weaves tension like a symphony. Braden R. Dummler, the writer-director behind the movie, crafts a tale of tension that fuses itself to every fiber of this film. When the tapestry opens itself up to the performances of Trey Tucker, Ema Horvath, and Mena Suvari, expect an uncomfortable and effective horror experience. What Lies Below goes down as one of the best horror films of this year.

RORSCHACH RATING:

Mental Health Moment: In some respects, I feel as though I may not be the best person to speak on this. If I get anything wrong in any way, my sincerest apologies. I’ve watched several friends growing up with either a lost parent or the aches of divorce. My parents are both still living and still married; so, everything I know about this subject comes second hand. Either way, I saw the pain that both caused on those who I held close to me. In the movie, we are  introduced to the relationship between Liberty and her mother, Michelle. It’s noted fairly early on that she doesn’t have a father in the picture. It’s an ambiguous notion that is never outright confirmed, whether that reason is due to death or divorce. Not that there should be as the status of mother and daughter isn’t something that the plot hinges on. 

However, there is some tension when Liberty meets John for the first time. The reality of their engagement seems jarring to Liberty. In my experience, this seems to be the response from those in similar situations. I’m not sure if it’s the fact of the normal routine of parent and offspring being uprooted, or the idea of being replaced, or that you don’t matter. This type of situation is hard to navigate. We are all called to grow and experience new things. Look at this very year. We’re now challenged to be socially distant and wear masks. It feels weird to call this a new social norm. The response of self worthlessness speaks for itself. Though, whatever the response, it’s gonna have an effect on your mental health. We have to understand that there are things outside of our control and that’s fine. It’s about taking responsible and healthy approaches to those steps and our mental health response. 

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by) and more. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. What Lies Below is property of Vertical Entertainment. We do not own nor claim any rights. What Lies Below is available on VOD and on all major digital outlets beginning December 4th, 2020.

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