‘A Town Called Purgatory’ Triumphs at Creature Feature Weekend

The latest horror Western by filmmakers Ken Arnold and Dan De Luca, A Town Called Purgatory, has clinched the Best Feature Film award at this month’s Creature Feature Weekend Film Festival. Following the success of their 2017 hit The Night Watchmen, Arnold and De Luca have once again captivated audiences with their unique blend of genre elements, this time meshing the grim aftermath of the American Civil War with supernatural horror.

Set against the eerie backdrop of a post-Civil War landscape, A Town Called Purgatory introduces viewers to Beau Riffen, a scarred Yankee lawman, and Cody Parnum, a haunted ex-Confederate tracker. The duo embarks on a perilous quest to capture the notorious Reno Gang, only to find themselves in the mysterious ghost town of Purgatory, where they face threats both human and supernatural.

The film explores deep themes of redemption and the haunting presence of the past, drawing heavily on Native American folklore with the inclusion of a malevolent Skinwalker—a shapeshifting entity bent on vengeance. This element of folklore is treated with respect and care, enhancing the film’s eerie atmosphere and tension.

The filmmakers’ dedication to authenticity and historical resonance is evident in their character portrayals and setting. Arnold and De Luca, who also star in the film, are joined by a robust cast including Matt Servitto and Kevin Jiggetts, enriching the narrative with strong performances that resonate with the film’s dark, introspective tone.

A Town Called Purgatory not only highlights the filmmakers’ ability to fuse horror with Western elements but also showcases their skill in crafting stories that reflect deeper, often unsettling themes of American history and mythology.

The film will next be showcased at Monsterpalooza in Pasadena from May 31 to June 2, where Arnold, De Luca, and Jiggetts will engage with fans, offering autographs and free posters. This upcoming event presents a fantastic opportunity for horror fans and film to experience the chilling allure of A Town Called Purgatory firsthand and to celebrate its burgeoning success on the festival circuit.

As A Town Called Purgatory continues to garner acclaim, it stands as a testament to the creative vision of its creators, who have effectively carved a niche for themselves in the horror genre. Their ability to blend historical elements with terrifying horror continues to captivate and thrill audiences, marking another successful chapter in their collaborative filmmaking career.