Film Review – The Dreadful

Last year, writer/director Natasha Kermani explored the world of Dracula in “Abraham’s Boys,” taking a slow-burn approach to the horror tale, and perhaps it was too slow for some. The feature retained mood and an appreciation for developing moments of danger, and the helmer remains on the same creative path for “The Dreadful,” which is also careful with its movement but intermittently alert with its violence. Inspiration comes from an ancient Shin Buddhist parable, which also inspired the 1964 Japanese film, “Onibaba,” and Kermani attempts to make her own way with a story of jealousy and suspicion set in the 15th century. “The Dreadful” is in no hurry, with the endeavor working careful to build an atmosphere of strange events and suspicious motives. It’s not a movie that jumps off the screen, but for those who have some patience, Kermani captures stretches of unease as the characters experience something unreal while residing in the middle of nowhere. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com