Sleep paralysis, dreamscapes and hallucinations are explored in a narrative designed to make you unconditionally anxious whilst watching, pure intent by composer, writer, editor and director Andy Mitton.
When Monique (Gabby Beans) strolls out of hardcore quarantine when contacted by a long-lost friend in need of help Mavis (Emily Davis) quickly turns out to be a grievous move for both, provoking a mysterious figure of dread rising to latch onto their dreams. It does not take long after these friends catch up after a time apart that things get nasty.
Daymares not just nightmares become harder to wake from, sometimes days or weeks later. Distinguishing reality to visions also becomes daunting for the pair.
The Harbinger, captures attention while lacerating into the subconscious of an audience probably unsettled at what is purposedly, unfolding slowly into nerve jangling conclusion.
Covid themed stories and filmed under high covid measures vary in quality or entertainment values, that’s a modern fact. I applaud creative minds under restrictive measures as defiantly a challenge, but overall, I’m sick of movies with people in masks or one location, inside or out, however, this works better than expected.
Fascinating Gabby Beans, has absolutely everything to do with how above average this is.
As Mo, Beans dutifully takes sadness to happiness to being totally afraid into soaring heights, what an exorbitant performance, those immense eyes act all on their own when confronting the large-beak bird-like phenomenon. Emily Davis also memorable playing sleep deprived effectively real.
Not just an average horror, there’s mystery to behold here in a totally grim and desolate, somewhat indie, odd delight.
★★★
Horror | USA, 2022 | 15 | Digital HD | 20th January 2023 (UK) | Signature Entertainment | Dir. Andy Mitton | Gabby Beans, Emily Davis, Raymond Anthony Thomas, Stephanie Roth Haberle | Buy
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