WE ARE STILL HERE (R)
Released by Dark Sky Films
Reviewed by Adam Mast
Great ghost stories are hard to come by, but movies like THE CONJURING and the INSIDIOUS franchise have breathed life into a seemingly dead genre. The independent gem WE ARE STILL HERE is even stronger than those aforementioned higher profile titles because it adds an off-kilter sense of humor to the proceedings.
WE ARE STILL HERE focuses on Anne and Paul Sacchetti (played by Barbara Crampton and Andrew Sensenig), a grieving married couple who move into a creepy, snow-laced New England countryside home. It isn’t long before local Dave McCabe (Monte Markham)—an odd but well-spoken member of the community—drops by uninvited to share stories of the home’s rather grim history. Shortly after, the Sacchettis discover that there might be an evil presence lurking around in the basement.
This atmospheric haunted house picture from writer/director Ted Geoghegan benefits from an undeniable building of tension, solid performances, creative gore effects, and a central location that serves more as a character rather than just a locale. Most importantly though, WE ARE STILL HERE offers up genuine scares.
In terms of tone and style, it’s clear that Geoghegan worships at the altar of Lucio Fulci, but in addition to being a loving tribute to the works of that Italian genre filmmaking legend, there were also portions of WE ARE STILL HERE that reminded me a bit of John Carpenter’s THE FOG, most notably the history behind the home’s haunt and the design of the ghostly inhabitants themselves.
Crampton (RE-ANIMATOR) and Sensenig (UPSTREAM COLOR) are terrific as a couple in mourning. Crampton in particular brings real sadness and vulnerability to the role of Anne. Independent horror king Larry Fessenden and lovely Lisa Marie are an absolute riot as a new agey hippie couple who attempt to help Anne and Paul determine what exactly is happening in their house. Of the cast though, it’s Markham who appears to be having the most fun. As a shifty Dave McCabe, he’s simply a joy to watch throughout this picture.
WE ARE STILL HERE is an absolute blast of a throwback ghost story. It builds to a fever pitch in the final act, but the movie is also complemented by unexpected twists, dramatic flourishes, wonderful bursts of humor, and a fitting tongue-in-cheek attitude. It even offers up moments that are surprisingly sweet. In the end though, it’s about the scares, and WE ARE STILL HERE completely delivers in that department. In fact, this might be my favorite horror picture since THE BABADOOK.
WE ARE STILL HERE is currently playing in select cities. If it’s playing in your neck of the woods, I highly recommend you see it in the theater. If not, you can check it out on VOD.
