Beezel (2024) Review

One of a clutch of alluring films at this year’s Grimmfest, I was hopeful that Beezel would stand as a reminder that sometimes, the simplest stories can be the most effective. Directed by Aaron Fradkin, the film plunges us into a traditional, no-nonsense horror experience that channels the raw, blood-soaked thrills of old-school genre classics.

Drawing subtle comparisons to Evil Dead and its cellar-dwelling Deadites, Beezel manages to deliver a deeply unsettling tale with a fresh twist on the haunted house narrative, while sidestepping the trend of over-complicating its premise.

Fradkin, who co-wrote the film with Victoria Fratz, smartly dials into the staple primal fears that keep audiences glued to their seats: the fear of the unknown, the hidden dangers beneath the floorboards, and the sense that something truly evil is lurking just out of sight. What’s fascinating about Beezel is how it taps into this unease, immersing us in a decades-long curse that has taken root in a seemingly innocuous New England home.

The film’s setup is straightforward, but its execution is what elevates it. Over the course of sixty years, three different families encounter Beezel, a blind, ancient witch who dwells beneath the house and feeds on unsuspecting victims. The opening story introduces us to Rob (played with eerie conviction by Bob Gallagher), a man whose life is shattered when his family is slaughtered. He soon discovers that the perpetrator of this horrific act is none other than Beezel herself, who forces him into servitude, compelling him to bring her more victims. From the outset, the film sets an ominous tone, with the house itself taking on a character-like presence, filled with unsettling creaks and dark corners.

What sets Beezel apart from other haunted house films is how it integrates multiple timelines into a cohesive story. As the film progresses, we meet Lucas (Nicholas Robin) and his wife Sarah (played by co-writer Victoria Fratz), who inherit the cursed house. Their discovery of the bodies of past victims pushes the narrative into a relentless spiral of dread. Each of the film’s stories plays out like mini horror vignettes, linked by the house’s sinister secret but distinct enough to keep things fresh. The film’s ability to juggle these timelines without losing momentum is a testament to Fradkin and Fratz’s tight scripting.

One of the major strengths of Beezel is its use of practical effects. Fradkin’s dedication to old-school horror shines through in the gruesome, tactile nature of the film’s deaths. Beezel herself is a grotesque creation, and her design feels simultaneously ancient and terrifyingly new. The emphasis on practical effects grounds the supernatural elements in a physicality that heightens the film’s sense of danger.

The film is also surprisingly efficient, clocking in at just 82 minutes, yet it never feels rushed. Each story segment has enough room to breathe, allowing the tension to build naturally before culminating in moments of genuine terror. The pacing is brisk, but Fradkin doesn’t sacrifice character development for the sake of cheap scares. The performances, particularly by Gallagher and Fratz, lend a human element to the otherwise fantastical storyline. They make you care about their fate, which adds an emotional weight to the horror.

The film’s biggest weakness lies in its reluctance to fully explore the backstory of its titular villain. Beezel is a terrifying presence, but we’re left with many unanswered questions: Who is she really? Where did she come from? Why this house? While this ambiguity may work for some viewers, adding an air of mystery, it also feels like a missed opportunity to deepen the lore. There’s a sense that a prequel might be in the cards, which could flesh out these details, but as it stands, the lack of clarity leaves a slight gap in the narrative.

Also, while the found footage elements work well and hark back to some of the better moments from classics such as The Blair Witch and Paranormal Activity, their previous over-use puts Beezel on shaky ground. On the whole, the POV shots and speaking to camera are a nice touch, but lay bare any small weaknesses in the actors performances. The key to impactful found footage is 100% faith that the person is being genuine, even when, of course, they’re not.

Still, for fans of traditional horror, Beezel is a delight. It doesn’t try to reinvent the genre, but rather embraces its roots with an unapologetic love for gory, high-stakes thrills. It’s the kind of film that thrives on jump scares and grotesque imagery, yet also understands the importance of building suspense. The minimal cast, the intimate setting, and the well-placed tension all contribute to a sense of claustrophobia that keeps you on edge throughout.

In a horror landscape often filled with convoluted plots and overwrought metaphors, Beezel is a refreshing throwback to a simpler, easy to digest type of storytelling. It may not break new ground, but it offers enough well-crafted scares and blood-soaked fun to provide an evening of macabre fun.

Movie Rating:

Beezel trailer