Chapter X takes audiences on a haunting journey, intertwining elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural. Director Christopher Scott Bradshaw, a seasoned filmmaker with over two decades of experience, makes his feature-length debut with this ambitious project, marking a significant step in his career.
The movie's premise centers around Luke (Jared Shipley), whose life is disrupted by news of a forgotten inheritance—an isolated cabin in the Wasatch Mountains, concealing memories of his parents' brutal murder. Bradshaw draws inspiration from personal experiences, infusing the film with a sense of nostalgia and lingering traumas.
In navigating the delicate balance between budget constraints and storytelling ambition, Chapter X succeeds in creating a visually appealing cinematic experience. The low-budget nature of the film is simultaneously a bug and a feature in its effectiveness–despite its low budget, the film's cinematography effectively utilizes the limited resources to create interesting and captivating visuals. The film impresses with its resourceful use of special effects and makeup, showcasing a range from serviceable to great. Despite the low budget, the visuals are genuinely well done in many instances and manage to create an immersive experience with its visuals, enhancing the atmospheric and enigmatic tone.
The soundtrack, while not groundbreaking, is effective in contributing to the film's atmosphere, though the feature does tend to suffer from an abundance of silence in certain scenes that may have been remedied with additional scoring and diegetic sound design. Additionally, the score may have benefitted from a more adventurous score focused on conveying the overall strangeness of the film’s narrative rather than playing it safe.
Performances range from serviceable to good. Shipley, while competent, seems to be lacking something– he is solid in his portrayal of Luke, though not entirely memorable. None of the actors fail, though none of them exceed expectations.
Viewers may find the film’s themes of multiverses and astral projection to be either a breath of fresh air or played out depending on their perspective. While some viewers may find enjoyment in these aspects, as well as the film’s overall originality when faced with a film industry reliant on sequels, prequels, and remakes, others might perceive these themes as stale, considering their prevalence in recent cinematic narratives. The film's reliance on these familiar tropes could potentially detract from its overall impact, especially for audiences seeking more innovative or less-explored themes in the thriller and mystery genres.
Chapter X is an overall solid directorial debut, with its relative originality, and the director's creative vision. Despite some minor critiques, the film is well made and succeeds with its atmospheric presentation despite budget constraints, even if the chosen supernatural themes may not resonate equally with all viewers. It is clear that director Christopher Scott Bradshaw has an eye for interesting visuals, which will leave viewers eager to see what he will deliver in his future cinematic endeavors.
How would audiences react to this screening?
Though some may be worn out from multiverse and astral projection tropes, others will enjoy the overall originality of the film.
What unexpected responses do you think audiences would have to this film?
Those who enjoy low-budget films will be impressed by Chapter X's creative use of effects and makeup that exceed expectations for its budget.
Would this film be suitable for a public screening?
Chapter X would be great for screenings at independent and art house theaters, as well as horror programming.