In the realm of horror, there is an enduring appeal to old-fashioned, spine-tingling tales of evil forces and haunted houses. Beezel (2024) emerges as a prime example of such a horror film, delivering a gripping narrative and disturbing imagery that promises to make audiences squirm in their seats. Directed by Aaron Fradkin and co-written with Victoria Fratz, Beezel takes viewers on a terrifying journey spanning multiple decades, weaving an intricate tale of a cursed house and its demonic resident.
Plot Summary: A House of Horrors
Beezel revolves around a cursed New England home where a blind witch, Beezel, lurks beneath the floorboards, preying on anyone who dares to enter. The film is divided into four distinct timelines—1966, 1987, 2003, and 2013—each following different individuals who become ensnared in the house’s sinister history.
The movie kicks off with an unsettling opening in 1966, where a cameraman (played by LeJon Woods) is drawn into the home by the mysterious homeowner, Rob (Bob Gallagher). From this moment, the film plunges into a nightmarish tale of blood, terror, and the supernatural, with each timeline building upon the previous one. The true horror, however, lies beneath the house: Beezel, a blind, grotesque witch who craves human souls.
Character Analysis: The Haunted and the Damned
Beezel features a cast of characters who are convincingly portrayed as ordinary people facing extraordinary horrors. Bob Gallagher delivers a standout performance as Rob, a man who becomes a slave to the ancient witch after losing his family. His demeanor and tortured expressions convey the despair of someone trapped in a never-ending nightmare.
Nicolas Robin plays Lucas, Rob’s estranged stepson, who inherits the cursed house. His chemistry with co-star Victoria Fratz (who plays his wife) brings a relatable dynamic to the story, as they navigate the horrors that unfold. Fratz’s portrayal is particularly refreshing for the genre, as her character brings an energy that is often missing in horror films.
The villain of the film, Beezel, is perhaps its most chilling character. Blind yet terrifying, her grotesque appearance and insatiable hunger for human flesh make her a formidable antagonist. The film’s practical effects make her even more unsettling, giving the audience a villain who is as terrifying to look at as she is dangerous.
Visuals and Cinematography: Eerie and Atmospheric
Visually, Beezel excels at creating an atmosphere of dread. Director of photography Keelan Carothers uses a combination of different film stocks—celluloid, VHS, and digital cameras—to create a disorienting effect that enhances the eerie tone of the film. The barren, snow-covered landscapes of New England during winter add to the sense of isolation and impending doom.
One standout moment is a sequence involving a basement trapdoor, which Carothers films with such precision that it becomes a visual masterpiece. The transitions between timelines are seamless, and the cinematography captures the claustrophobic feel of the house, making it a character in itself.
The use of practical effects, especially in the design of Beezel, is impressive. Inspired by the look of tree trunks, the witch’s grotesque appearance is a blend of organic and supernatural elements, creating a villain that will linger in the minds of the audience long after the credits roll.
Themes and Message: A Simple, Effective Horror
Unlike many modern horror films that delve into deeper social commentary, Beezel keeps its focus on pure, visceral terror. The film is an homage to classic haunted house stories, and while it doesn’t explore complex themes, its simplicity is one of its strengths. Beezel doesn’t try to be anything more than a terrifying horror film, and in that, it succeeds.
The witch’s backstory, however, remains somewhat vague. While this adds to her mystique, it leaves certain questions unanswered: Why is she trapped in the house? What drove her to become this ancient evil? This lack of detail could be intentional, leaving room for a potential prequel, but it does create a slight sense of incompletion in the current film.
Comparisons: Beezel vs. Two Witches and Barbarian
In many ways, Beezel feels like a spiritual successor to films like Two Witches (2022) and Barbarian (2022). Like Two Witches, Beezel is split into different timelines, each revealing new layers of the story and enhancing the film’s tension. Both movies also share an unrelenting dark tone, making viewers feel as though something terrible is lurking just around the corner.
Barbarian also comes to mind, especially in its depiction of timeline jumps and horrifying discoveries within a single location. However, while Barbarian focuses more on character development, Beezel leans into its haunted house narrative, giving audiences a more straightforward but no less terrifying experience.
Direction and Pacing: Quick and Effective
Director Aaron Fradkin expertly crafts a horror movie that doesn’t overstay its welcome. With a runtime of just 82 minutes, Beezel wastes no time in establishing its tension. Fradkin’s ability to maintain a consistent tone of dread is commendable, and he knows when to pull back and allow the audience to catch their breath before plunging them back into terror.
One of the most compelling aspects of Fradkin’s direction is his attention to the practical horror elements. The use of real locations (Fradkin grew up in the house where the movie was shot) gives the film an authenticity that adds to its unsettling nature. The house itself becomes a key character, with each room offering new terrors for the characters to confront.
Final Verdict: A Must-See for Horror Fans
Beezel is a tightly woven horror film that is sure to please fans of the genre. With its efficient storytelling, strong performances, and gruesome practical effects, it delivers a chilling experience that lingers long after the film ends. The film’s simplicity works in its favor, focusing on pure horror without getting bogged down in unnecessary subplots.
While it may not break new ground in terms of narrative complexity, Beezel stands out as a solid horror film that knows exactly what it wants to be. For those who enjoy haunted house films with grotesque villains and spine-tingling suspense, Beezel is highly recommended.
If you’re looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, don’t miss Beezel! Check out the official trailer on YouTube and visit GoMovies or learn where to watch Beezel here for more details!
